Malta recently announced a scheme for travelers, which encourages them to stay in hotels from June. To stay ahead of its competitors, Malta now plans to offer foreign visitors up to 200 euros ($ 238.10) each if they choose to stay for at least three days on a Mediterranean island this summer.
Referring to this, Maltese Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo said that given that most of the COVID restrictions are likely to be lifted by June 1, those who book summer vacations through local hotels in Malta will receive the handouts directly.
The country reportedly managed to attract more than 2.7 million foreign visitors in 2019, but those numbers have fallen by more than 80 percent since the virus was discovered in March 2020. A 5-star hotel will receive 100 euros from the Malta Tourism Authority, while those booked in four-star hotels will receive 75 euros, and visitors to three-star hotels – 50 euros.
The Minister of Tourism also added that these amounts will correspond to the hotels and double them at each level, which will allow visitors to earn up to 200 euros for their three-day stay in a five-star hotel. In addition, those who choose to visit the smaller island of Gozo in Malta will receive an additional 10 percent incentive in addition.
At the moment, Malta is still in partial isolation from the pandemic and is preparing for a gradual opening. According to reports, minor services and shops will resume operation from April 26, and from now on groups of up to four people will be allowed to gather in public.
It is likely that the new lighting scheme will benefit about 35,000 visitors. In addition, as Malta has the highest level of vaccination against viruses in the European Union, the government urges the EU to introduce vaccine passports to facilitate travel.
Today, Malta is still partially blocking the pandemic and preparing for a gradual opening. According to reports, minor services and shops will resume operation from April 26, while groups of up to four people will be allowed to gather in public from now on.
It is likely that the new scheme will bring about 35,000 visitors. In addition, as Malta has the highest level of vaccination against viruses in the European Union, the government urges the EU to introduce vaccine passports to facilitate travel.