National reform programme 2008-2010 Malta - European Commission

In July 2008 Malta experienced a 1.2% increase of tourist arrivals when compared to July
2007 14 .
Measure 2.11
Improve accessibility, conservation and promotion of key heritage sites
Work is currently in progress in the World heritage of Ħagar Qim and Mnajdra, Tarxien
Temples and the Museum of Archaeology. The main thrusts of these works are to improve
the accessibility of these sites by means of visitor centres that provide for a better experience
of these sites. In the case of the Ħagar Qim and Mnajdra temples, the erection of protection
structures is due to commence imminently in order to improve the conservation of these sites.
The Visitor centre at these temples is due to be completed by end 2008. This project is
estimated to cost around €4.2 million excluding taxes.
Work on the other two sites (Tarxien Temples and Museum of Archaeology) has been slightly
delayed due to permit approvals and other resourcing issues.
Measure 2.12
Introduce tourism zone management tools to raise quality standards
The monitoring and upgrading of standards in tourism zones and improvement of beaches is
currently underway and is envisaged to be finalised by end 2008. Once this completed it is
envisaged that a better overall product will be made available to tourists through better
services and improved facilities in the main tourism zones. The introduction of Zone
management enables the micro management of these areas instead of a national system of
management and, it is, therefore, envisaged that a better response to localised and sectoral
issues and problems will be achieved.
Measure 2.13
Implement a branding exercise for tourism
Branding Malta has been the focus of MTA in Malta in the past years. This exercise was
undertaken to shift the marketing approach from a geographical market basis to a segment
market basis. Various campaigns in overseas potential markets have been undertaken to
portray Malta as a destination in the various segments identified in the new tourism strategy.
In the local scenario, a nationwide campaign to entice every Maltese citizen to respond to the
tourism industry by becoming more tourism friendly as well as more customer service
orientated has been undertaken. The increase in tourism arrivals shown in measure 2.10 are
a statement to the work involved in promoting Malta in the overseas market.
Measure 2.14.1
Operate the Vessel Traffic Management System
The Ports and Coastal Vessel Traffic Management Information Systems (VTMIS) commenced
operation in Dec 2006 on a one-year trial basis. Following this trial period, the Malta Ports
and Coastal Vessel Traffic Service became mandatory as of 1 December 2007 with Notice to
Mariners No 80/2007. This system was officially launched on 5 March 2008 and is primarily
aimed to monitor shipping and to provide vessel traffic management to shipping within the
national waters and ports. The cost for this system is € 3.5 million.
Measure 2.14.2
Complete economic, financial, feasibility and environmental impact study for expanding the
Grand Harbour and Freeport infrastructures
This measure involves two main projects, a feasibility study and impact assessment for port
development projects in the Grand Harbour and Mgarr Harbour (Gozo); and surveys and
geotechnical investigations of existing port structures in Malta. All reports including
Geotechnical, Feasibility Studies and Environmental Impact Assessments have been
completed. All reports including Geotechnical, Feasibility Studies and Environmental Impact
Assessments have been completed.
14 Data provided by the Office of the Prime Minister – Parliamentary Secretariat for Tourism.
Malta National Reform Programme 2008-2010 - 12 -