Letters | Wednesday, 14 January 2009

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I read your report (‘Falling pound spells trouble for Malta’s tourism industry’, MaltaToday 7 January 2009) with interest.
Can I say that the lesson from the UK is: you can talk yourselves into a crisis very easily! Things can become a self fulfilling prophesy.
I would also say that the MTA is doing an excellent job of promoting Malta in contrast with a few years ago. Malta recently received several mentions in the Emmerdale soap plot. I am sure that this was not accidental.
Malta has for the first time appeared in the top 20 places in which to buy property – as voted by Homes Overseas Magazine.
Let’s face it, the old package holiday is in a downward trend year by year – increasingly the majority book flights and accommodation directly on the internet.
My friend Brian Bond will not thank me for this, but Air Malta continues to demand high prices at UK Regional Airports and fuel charges still remain in place. Given that the pattern of holidays is changing, the cost of flights is critical. BA is offering flights to the US for less than Air Malta are charging to Malta.
Easyjet took over from BA at Manchester – they now fly at 6.30am (!) which is hopeless and still charge high prices. By contrast, Ryanair are doing a consistently good job and fly daily from Luton at sensible times and at lower cost than the other two. Let’s hope that the service is extended to other UK regionals.
There are growing opportunities for long weekend property rentals but only if flights are attractively priced and availability is appropriate.
Malta does however need to continue to strive to improve its tourist offering – particularly for families with children. More needs to be done about litter and Paceville needs sorting out. It is seedy! Come down hard on those who seek to exploit visitors (including unscrupulous taxi and bus drivers) and get the timeshare touts off the streets.
Malta is famous for the friendliness of its people, for its low crime rate, the high standard of its education system and of course its weather! It is only three hours flying time. The UK is far from being the only source of profitable tourism.
Everyone should focus on sorting out the weaknesses, playing up the positives – and discounting the prophets of doom. This is the time when the good get going!

Ray Woods
Pembroke

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