Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association

𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐚 𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐬 & 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐌𝐇𝐑𝐀) 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦.

Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) President Tony Zahra, accompanied by MHRA CEO Andrew Agius Muscat and members of the MHRA Council, held a constructive courtesy meeting with the newly appointed Minister for Tourism, Hon. Dr Jo Etienne Abela.

Discussions focused on the future of Malta's tourism industry, with particular emphasis on sustainability, destination management, connectivity, cleanliness, enforcement, safety and security, visitor experience, workforce challenges, digital transformation, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. MHRA also highlighted the need for coordinated action to address challenges in key tourism areas and safeguard Malta's reputation as a leading Mediterranean destination.

The Association reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Minister Abela and his team to deliver practical solutions that strengthen the long term sustainability, competitiveness, and quality of Malta's tourism industry. MHRA also highlighted the positive and constructive working relationship it enjoys with the Malta Tourism Authority in addressing the sector's priorities and supporting the continued growth of Malta's tourism industry.

MHRA President Tony Zahra stated:

"Our tourism industry has achieved significant progress over the years. The next phase requires strong collaboration, practical solutions, and a shared vision to safeguard Malta's competitiveness and enhance the quality of the visitor experience."

Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association Turiżmu Visit Malta MaltaGov Malta Tourism Authority

𝐌𝐇𝐑𝐀 𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐑 | 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐲 (𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠) 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Join Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) and the Department for Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER) for a practical information session on the Equal Pay (Transparency and Reporting) Regulations, 2026 and the EU Pay Transparency Directive.

Hear directly from DIER Director General Ms Diane Vella Muscat and senior officials as they explain the new employer obligations, implementation timelines, reporting requirements, employee rights and compliance expectations, followed by an open Q&A session.

Understanding these new obligations is important for hospitality employers preparing for future compliance.

Date: Tuesday, 23 June 2026
Time: 10:00 to 13:00
Venue: The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta

Please register by Friday, 19 June, as places are limited. Attendance is free of charge for MHRA members. 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗼 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻. Not yet a Member? Join Today

To register, or join MHRA, send an email to [email protected].

Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) CEO Andrew Agius Muscat participated in Rtk103's Attwalità, where he discussed the challenges and opportunities facing Malta's tourism sector.

During his intervention, he stressed the importance of maintaining a balanced and sustainable tourism model, highlighting that while unacceptable behaviour by a small minority of visitors must be addressed through stronger enforcement, Malta should continue to focus on attracting quality tourism that respects local communities and contributes positively to the country's economy.

Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) CEO Andrew Agius Muscat participated in TVM's current affairs programme Vi Jew Va, where discussions focused on Malta's tourism strategy, the importance of market diversification, and the opportunities arising from the new direct air connection between Malta and New York.

During his intervention, Andrew highlighted the strong confidence currently being expressed by tourism operators and emphasised that the new route is not only generating positive sentiment within the hospitality sector but is also creating new opportunities for business travel, financial services, conferences, and higher-value tourism, particularly during the shoulder and winter months.

During TVM's Vi Jew Va, Malta Tourism Authority CEO Carlo Micallef highlighted Malta's strategy to diversify its tourism markets, with the aim of attracting 40% of visitors from outside the EU over the next decade. He emphasised the importance of strengthening international connectivity, including the new direct New York route, while continuing to focus on quality, sustainability, and year-round tourism growth.

MHRA remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen Malta's connectivity, enhance competitiveness, and attract quality tourism that delivers long-term benefits to the country's economy and communities.



Turiżmu MaltaGov Visit Malta

Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association CEO Andrew Agius Muscat today participated in the first meeting of the MCESD - Malta Council for Economic and Social Development following the General Election, chaired by Prime Minister Robert Abela.

The meeting focused on the Government's priorities for the new legislature, including economic growth, productivity, competitiveness, quality of life, infrastructure, sustainability, and the implementation of Malta Vision 2050.

During his intervention, Andrew Agius Muscat emphasised the importance of maintaining Malta's competitiveness while addressing workforce challenges, improving infrastructure, and supporting sustainable tourism growth. He highlighted the hospitality industry's continued commitment to social dialogue and its role as a key contributor to Malta's economy and quality of life.

MHRA looks forward to continuing its active participation within MCESD and working closely with MaltaGov and social partners to strengthen Malta's tourism and hospitality sector for the benefit of businesses, employees, and the wider community.



Turiżmu Jo Etienne Abela Keith Azzopardi Tanti Malta Tourism Authority

❗️𝐌𝐇𝐑𝐀 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 | 𝐌𝐇𝐑𝐀 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤–𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐚 𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ❗️

MHRA welcomes the launch of the first direct air connection between New York and Malta, a major milestone that strengthens Malta’s international connectivity and opens new opportunities for tourism, business, investment and the MICE sector.

This new route enhances Malta’s appeal to the North American market, attracting visitors who value culture, heritage, gastronomy and authentic experiences, while supporting the country's vision for higher-value tourism.

Read the full MHRA press release here:

Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association Turiżmu MaltaGov Jo Etienne Abela Malta International Airport Delta Air Lines Visit Malta Visit Malta

MHRA Welcomes Direct New York–Malta Air Connection - The Mediterranean Observer The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) welcomes the launch of the first direct air service between New York and Malta, describing it as a strategic milestone for the country’s tourism industry and international connectivity. MHRA believes the new route represents a significant opportu...

❗️𝐌𝐇𝐑𝐀 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 | 𝐌𝐇𝐑𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐧𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐙𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐓𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢-𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 ❗️

MHRA has condemned the recent incident involving indecent tourist behaviour in St Julian's and is calling for zero tolerance towards anti-social conduct that undermines residents, businesses, workers, families and visitors.

Malta welcomes visitors from around the world, but respect for our communities, public spaces and destination must always come first.

Read the full MHRA press release by clicking below:

Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association MaltaGov Turiżmu Malta Tourism Authority Visit Malta Jo Etienne Abela Times of Malta

MHRA Condemns Indecent Tourist Behaviour and Calls for Zero Tolerance on Anti-Social Conduct - The Mediterranean Observer The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) condemns the incident reported by Times of Malta today involving a group of tourists who were allegedly filmed naked and visible from a public road in St Julian’s. Malta welcomes visitors from around the world, but enjoyment must always go hand i...

Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association thanks Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ian Borg for the excellent collaboration, commitment and leadership shown during his tenure as Minister responsible for Tourism.

We wish him every success in his continued role as Deputy Prime Minister and in his new responsibilities as Minister for Health.

At the same time, MHRA warmly welcomes Dr Jo Etienne Abela as Malta’s new Minister for Tourism and looks forward to working closely with him to continue strengthening the sector and contributing to the country’s success.

Congratulations and best wishes to both Ministers.

MaltaGov Turiżmu

❗️𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 | 𝐌𝐇𝐑𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐥 ❗️

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) congratulates the Labour Party on its electoral victory and extends its best wishes to Prime Minister Robert Abela and his administration as they embark on a new five year mandate.

MHRA emphasises the importance of continued collaboration between Government and social partners, noting that constructive dialogue will be key to sustaining economic success, addressing future challenges, and delivering on the Government's commitments for the benefit of all.

Read the full statement on the Mediterranean Observer:



Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association MaltaGov Turiżmu

MHRA Congratulates Labour Party on Election Victory and a Clear Mandate Focused on Economic Sustainability and Wellbeing for All - The Mediterranean Observer The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) extended its congratulations to the Labour Party following its electoral win and conveyed its best wishes to Prime Minister Robert Abela and his administration as they embark on a new five-year mandate. MHRA said the result gives the Government a s...