Updated | Restaurant owner is new MHRA president

Matthew Pace has been unanimously elected as the 20th President of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) following the appointment of former president Paul Bugeja as new Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Tourism Authority.

With 28 years’ experience in retail and catering businesses, Pace is currently the owner of 47 Summer Nights Restaurant in Marsaskala, and Comfort Inn, Sliema.

Pace has been an active MHRA Council Member for the past five years during which time he chaired the Restaurants Action Group.  He has also represented the Association on the ITS board and various fora, seminars and conferences.

“Matthew is the first ever independent restaurant owner to be elected as MHRA President which demonstrates the dynamism and versatility of the association. Indeed, Matthew has the necessary qualities and competence to be the standard-bearer of the tourism industry in Malta and enjoys the support of all the MHRA members,” outgoing MHRA president Paul Bugeja said.

Tourism minister Edward Zammit Lewis welcomed Pace’s election at the helm of GRTU and said that the restaurateur has the necessary qualities and experience to lead the largest non-governmental organization in the tourism sector.

Zammit Lewis added that he looked forward to work closely with Pace and MHRA “for the benefit of the tourism sector.”