Malta to Give EUR 200 Handout to Tourists Who Stay for Three Days at Least

Aiming to revive its tourism industry and get ahead of rival destinations, Malta plans to offer foreign visitors a handout of up to 200 euros each if they stay at least three days on the Mediterranean island this summer, as announced this Friday by Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo.

Bartolo said that, with most COVID restrictions expected to be lifted by June 1, tourists booking summer holidays directly through local hotels would receive the handout, Reuters reports.

He added that tourists booking accommodation at a five-star hotel will get 100 euros from Malta’s Tourism Authority, which will be matched by the hotel for a total of 200 euros.

In a similar arrangement, those opting for a four-star hotel will receive a total of 150 euros and those booking a three-star hotel will receive 100 euros.

World Travel and Tourism Council data show the tourist industry directly and indirectly accounts for more than 27% of Malta’s economy, but the sector has been hammered by the COVID-19 pandemic, Reuters adds.

The country attracted more than 2.7 million foreign visitors in 2019 but figures have fallen by more than 80% since the virus was detected in March 2020.

Ministry of Tourism of Malta

World Travel and Tourism Council

Clayton Bartolo

attracting tourists

handout

coronavirus