Is SMS dead? Malta sends 10.7 million less text messages as WhatsApp & Messenger take over

Nov 4 2022

The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) has revealed that the vast majority of mobile users much rather use free-to-use chat applications such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger than standard SMS, with numbers for the latter dropping drastically over the past few years.

A report by the MCA stated that 10.7 million less SMSs were sent in 2021 when compared to 2020, with the document suggesting that such a drop may ‘potentially’ be caused by platforms such as Meta’s WhatsApp and Messenger.

The report went on to state that the average mobile user sent 267 SMS messages in 2021, a drop of 52% from 2017.

Despite the drop in text messages via SMS, the MCA also noted a marginal increase in phone calls and minutes spent by over a quarter, with the average number of calls rising to 786 in 2021, with average minutes surging to 1,855 per year.

The MCA’s document also noted a 27% drop in landline minutes and calls, constituting ‘the biggest year-on-year decline’ since 2018.

When was the last time YOU sent an SMS?

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New Welbee’s Express supermarket opens doors near Mater Dei

Nov 3 2022

Accessing healthy meals and a massively versatile supermarket all in one place has just become immensely easy near Malta’s very own national hospital.

That’s right – Welbee’s Express supermarket has just opened it’s doors next to Mater Dei at Campus Hub, meaning that everyone from hospital visitors, staff and anyone from the vicinity has a one stop shop for everything express.

With easy access given the massive parking space available, Welbee’s Express supermarket is offering more than just the everyday needs one might expect from a well-renowned supermarket brand.

That’s because customers can also find freshly made healthy snacks prepared on a daily basis at genuinely affordable prices.

This would also make an ideal quickie meal for anyone visiting both the hospital or the University of Malta which is exactly around the corner. You’ll definitely want to have a look around and you won’t be stressed for time!

That’s because Welbee’s will be offering up parking deals for anyone visiting the shop.

Anyone spending between €1 to €20 will enjoy 30 minutes of free parking. For an hour of free parking you’ll just have to spend €20 to €50 and if you’re aiming at a €50 to €100 shopping spree, you get 90 minutes free parking. Anyone spending €100 to €200 will get a whopping 3 hours of free parking, and one extra hour is given to anyone spending above the €200 mark.

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Malta presented with the best LGBTQ+ destination award in London

Nov 3 2022

Travel Bulletin, the UK’s leading travel trade brand organised the first StarAwards Ceremony in three years, celebrating the ‘shining stars’ of the industry, voted for by Travel Bulletin readers.

Over 30 awards, split into seven different categories, were presented on the 31st of October at a star-studded event in Central London. This included the Best LGBTQ+ Destination award, which was presented to the Malta Tourism Authority team of the UK Office.

“Across the globe, Malta is recognised as a champion when it comes to LGBTIQ+ rights” outlined Minister for Tourism Clayton Bartolo.

“The progressive and liberal programme that the Maltese Government embarked on for the past nine years has shifted the Maltese Islands into a welcoming country to visitors coming from every strata in society all year round. We are looking forward to celebrate this successful story next year by hosting Europride in our capital city Valletta during September 2023.”

CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority Mr Carlo Micallef said that this awards sets up Malta as an ideal destination for various demographics. “It sets the pace for a very exciting 2023 which will see Malta as the host for Europride, which tied with Malta’s consecutive top positioning on the ILGA Rainbow Index makes a perfect combination.”

MTA UK Office Director Tolene van der Merwe said that “throughout our campaigns this year, we have been emphasising on Malta’s inclusivity and diversity, focusing also on the warm welcome that the LGBTQ+ community will receive next year in Valletta during Europride 2023.”

“Almost two-thirds (63%) of British people believe it’s important to choose a holiday destination based on its acceptance of diversity, and we truly feel that there is no better time than 2023 to discover Malta.”

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Hudson raises wages for retail sales assistants, seeking to counteract rising cost of living and attract the best retail talent

Hudson raises sales assistant wages by 11.5% to combat cost of living rise

Nov 3 2022

In an attempt to attract the best talent, and to help its people deal with higher cost of living expenses, Hudson has increased its base salary for shop sales assistants in Malta.

All current sales assistants will be brought up to this new flat rate and will continue to benefit from a uniform allowance, double pay on Sundays and public holidays, as well as the possibility to earn commission based on performance and sales.

In addition to this, Hudson have also added life insurance to the overall benefits package they offer. Besides an attractive renumeration, all Hudson employees benefit from discounts of up to 35% when shopping from the stores represented by the company, a great family and work life balance, cultural diversity as well as the possibility to interact with the world’s best brands in sport and fashion.

Being a trail-blaizer, the company has always been at the forefront of innovation. This philosophy is cascaded throughout its various facets, including in the development and training of its staff. People and talent are Hudson’s utmost priority, and even when hitting challenging times, during COVID-19, when its stores were forced to close down, no employees were made redundant.

The COVID-19 pandemic, rising costs of raw materials, supply chain disruption and the ongoing situation in Ukraine has caused a great increase in inflation. Malta is no exception, especially since it has little natural resources, and is geographically cut off from mainland Europe.

Workers and businesses are struggling to cope with these rising costs, and are being forced to stretch their hard earned cash and in some cases having to consume less than they did before. Hudson employs a total of around 800 people across the group.

“This is an important move in being able to attract and retain employees, allowing us to be competitive in the market. It’s also great that with rising everyday living costs, we’re able to do this for our people and support their wellbeing, considering the vital role they play for our company” explains Hudson Group HR Director Kalani Weerasinghe.

Hudson’s head office is situated in Malta, with supporting offices in Italy, Cyprus, Algeria, Morocco and Nigeria. Hudson Group is a leading distributor and retailer with roots in Southern Europe and a focus on Africa. Hudson are the official NIKE distributor for over 30 countries across Africa and retails and/or distributes a variety of other sport and fashion brands including NIKE, Ted Baker, River Island, New Look, Intersport, Urban Jungle, Blackbox, Urban Bratz, Kiabi, Mango, Tommy Hilfiger, Armani Exchange and Calvin Klein. Hudson currently manages over 60 stores across Africa and Southern Europe apart from their growing online business.

For more information visit www.hudson.com.mt

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