Over the past few years, we’ve seen a burgeoning of Malta’s hospitality offering. What are the factors driving investment opportunities in the sector?

Investors have taken advantage of the opportunities presented by the significant growth in tourism to Malta. This has been a persistent trend, which we can credit for attracting investor interest.

In recent years, there has been more awareness of the need to transition from a quantity-driven to a quality-focused tourism product. In what way would you expect this to impact the hospitality industry? Is there room for further investment in the hospitality sector, or have we reached saturation point?

I support the strategy to better align our tourism product with a quality-focused rather than numbers-based vision – and not just within the hotels industry but across all destination-driven sectors. The attractiveness of Malta as a tourism destination, driven by the appreciation of history and culture, alongside the Mediterranean climate and environment, will diminish if the infrastructure cannot support it. It is not just about the number of hotels or beds on the island; we need to look after the destination to ensure the industry’s future sustainability. Ultimately, both locals and tourists must be able to enjoy Malta as both a home and a place to visit.

“Creating meaningful travel experiences should be a priority for the growth of the industry.”

With sustainability becoming more of a priority, how do you see the hospitality and accommodation sector evolving in line with developing contingencies, and what investment opportunities could this open up?

Sustainability encompasses many aspects; it’s not solely related to energy consumption but, just as importantly, it includes the protection of local treasures, culture and communities. Our guests love the historical and cultural aspects of Malta, so this is an important consideration for the future. If we operate by balancing the quality versus quantity ratio, we can position Malta in the best way possible. At The Phoenicia Malta, we will continue to identify opportunities to become more sustainable. However, the wider industry also needs to pinpoint any opportunities which will support stakeholders to become more sustainable.

Looking ahead, what will be the major factors driving more global investment to the Maltese hospitality sector?

In my opinion, one of the major factors which will drive global investment to the Maltese hospitality industry is the ability to prove to international investors that the country can support the growth of luxury tourism. This is a segment offering high-quality experiences, approached in a holistic manner. We must therefore consider the entire guest experience. It is not just about offering high-quality accommodation; from arrival to departure, guests need to be provided with that extra level of service. This, I believe, will sustain the industry into the future. Creating meaningful travel experiences should be a priority for the growth of the industry.