Tourism operators warn heavy traffic costing country money, reputation

Images of traffic gridlock and delays in arriving to destination are costing the country money and its reputation, the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association said today.

The statement was issued on Friday morning, when hundreds of commuters spent over two hours stuck in traffic.

MHRA said received numerous reports from members asserting that staff reported late to work due to extraordinary traffic jams. Some, especially those travelling from the north of the Malta, reported commuting time of two hours and over.

“Such incidents cost the industry money - but worse still - it cost the country its reputation and image as problems related to accessibility caused by heavy traffic lead to various challenges in servicing tourists visiting our country,” the MHRA said.

MHRA president Tony Zahra added that such incidents seriously undermined the country's progress and created unwarranted frustration rather than the much needed confidence for the long term future strategy.

“The MHRA is not ready to take the armchair critic's position; we are in fact willing and offering to sit with all concerned to come up with effective solutions. It is now time that the Government takes some tough decisions on this front,” Zahra said.

MHRA noted the success being recorded by the tourism sector; this summer will be another record season for the tourism sector, and the forthcoming winter season also looks very promising.

“As asserted in MHRA's pre-budget document it is now time for all stakeholders to look ahead and set a realistic vision and strategy for sustainable tourism. This will require tough decisions to be taken by Government in particular in refining the way it manages its operations and implementing policies. MHRA asserts that success brings achieved in the tourism sector cannot be taken for granted and to maintain it there is no room for mistakes or poor service for whatever the reason maybe.”