After planning to lift most travel restrictions related to COVID-19 by June 1, Malta is now looking at ways to revive its tourism industry. In light of doing that, Malta plans to offer incoming tourists a handout of up to $238 when they book a local hotel through the hotel website for a minimum of …
The vast majority of accommodation establishments in Gozo will not benefit from a government scheme to offer rebates to tourists this summer, Gozo’s tourism lobby has noted.
The scheme, unveiled on Friday by Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo, will see tourists offered up to €200 if they book a stay of at least three nights directly with local five-, four- or three-star hotels, with an additional 10 per cent rebate for stays in Gozo.
But the Gozo Tourism Association has noted that the vast majority of licensed accommodation on Malta’s sister island does not qualify for the scheme in its current form.
Another two restaurants in Malta have earned a Michelin Star, one year after the prestigious Michelin Guide added Maltese restaurants to its list for the first time.
The new restaurants are Bahia in Lija and ION - The Harbour in Valletta. They join De Mondion in Mdina and Under Grain and Noni in Valletta as local restaurants that can boast of a Michelin star.
Terrone, Commando and Rubino retained their existing Bib Gourmand for “good quality, good value cooking”.
Five new Michelin ‘Plates’ have also been added to the guide. They are The Fork and Cork in Rabat, Chophouse and Fernando Gastrotheque in Sliema, Zest in St Julian’s and Mezzodi in Valletta. The Plate symbol denotes restaurants where one will experience “fresh ingredients, capably prepared - simply a good meal”.
Advertisement
Overseas trips are to be permitted under a traffic light country classification scheme with different requirements. But which countries will be classed green ?
This is a watershed moment. Transport secretary Grant Shapps has come to his senses at last, with travel abroad possible from as early as May 17. I m not advising against booking summer holidays, he said yesterday, cautiously encouraging people to start planning trips as he laid out new travel rules.
Overseas trips are to be permitted under a traffic light country classification scheme with different requirements:
Green countries will not require a return quarantine, although pre-departure Covid tests will be necessary and a further test when back.
Updated 6pm with MHRA statement
Tourists booking summer holidays to Malta directly through local hotels will receive a financial handout, Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo said on Friday.
Addressing a press conference, Bartolo said the Malta Tourism Authority had been allocated €3.5million for the scheme that will impact some 35,000 tourists travelling to the island from June.
Tourists booking accommodation at a five-star hotel directly through the hotel’s booking system will receive a €100 handout from the Malta Tourism Authority.
Those opting for a four-star hotel will receive €75, while three-star hotel accommodation booked directly through the hotel will come with a €50 payment.