Malta’s Small Businesses Call Out Overpopulation as a Major Issue

Oct 31 2024

Overpopulation has become a top concern for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malta, as highlighted by the latest survey from the Malta Chamber of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises. Business owners across various sectors voiced frustrations over the impact of Malta’s growing population on daily operations, infrastructure, and quality of life, with many calling for more sustainable urban planning.

Beyond overpopulation, the most critical issue flagged by SME owners in 2024 was a severe shortage of employees. The strained labor market is impacting daily operations and pushing up competition for talent, with businesses struggling to fill crucial roles amid Malta’s demographic changes. This workforce gap is compounded by the infrastructure stress caused by overpopulation, adding to business owners’ concerns about the island’s long-term viability as a business hub.

For SMEs, overpopulation directly affects traffic congestion, disrupting employee commutes and customer access. Some businesses report that delays in transit impact both productivity and customer satisfaction. Increased demand for housing and commercial space is also driving rental prices higher, stretching already tight budgets as inflation and operational costs rise.

Malta’s SMEs are urging policymakers to address these issues through infrastructure upgrades, sustainable development plans, and strategies to attract skilled labor. Addressing these challenges, they argue, will be vital to sustaining Malta’s economic stability and quality of life.

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Mosta Local Council Criticizes Transport Malta on Town Square Closure

Oct 31 2024

The Mosta Local Council has expressed frustration over Transport Malta’s (TM) decision to implement changes to the town square without adequately considering the proposals and interests of Mosta residents.

The Council stated that TM has asserted its authority to make final decisions without input from residents, businesses, or the Council.

On August 29, 2024, TM informed the Council that the Mosta square would be closed to traffic every Friday and Saturday evening from September 1 until the end of October 2024.

In light of these developments, the Council reminded the public that it is conducting a series of consultation meetings with Mosta residents.

The Council had invited TM to send a representative to these meetings, but this request went unanswered.

These consultations will culminate in a final report reflecting the desires of Mosta residents and businesses, not just the authorities’ interests.

On October 28, TM announced via social media that the square’s closure would be extended until the end of January 2025, yet the Council has yet to receive an official notification.

The Council reiterated that such extensions require prior consultation and open communication with both the Council and residents, especially when the local community is affected.

The Mosta Local Council will continue to advocate for transparent decision-making that involves residents and their representatives.

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American Tourists Are Malta’s Highest Spenders

Oct 31 2024

American tourists have become the highest-spending visitors in Malta, highlighting the nation’s growing appeal among long-haul markets. According to recent tourism budget data, Americans top the list in terms of average nightly expenditure, followed closely by visitors from the UAE, Ireland, Norway, and Canada. This aligns with Malta’s push to attract high-quality tourism, as the country invests in targeted marketing campaigns and improved connectivity with distant regions, including the establishment of a tourism office in New York.

The focus on high-value tourists comes as Malta enjoys steady tourism revenue growth, with €2.2 billion generated in the tourism sector from January to August 2024 alone—a 23% increase from the previous year. Malta’s charm, characterised by its rich history, cultural experiences, and all-year-round activities, has attracted Americans and other international tourists, who are seeking more than just affordability.

As part of its strategy, Malta aims to increase accessibility, offering direct flights to over 110 airports globally and collaborating with airline partners to expand its reach. By focusing on sustainable tourism and seasonal growth, Malta is set to continue attracting top-spending visitors, fuelling the economy and ensuring a steady, year-round influx of high-quality tourists.

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New Website Launched To Help Locals and Tourists Discover The Beauty of Cottonera

Oct 31 2024

Heritage Malta has launched a fun, interactive website, Tales of Kottonera, which takes locals and visitors on a digital journey through the heart of Malta’s famous Three Cities – Birgu, Bormla, and Isla – along with the village of Kalkara. This region, named after the 17th-century Grand Master Fra’ Nicolás Cotoner, boasts a rich blend of history, architecture, and stories that connect Malta to the world.

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Tales of Kottonera is a treasure trove of resources, historical facts, local legends, and hidden gems. Designed to be accessible and interactive, the site has something for everyone, whether you’re a curious kid, a history buff, or a tourist keen to explore!

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With an easy-to-navigate format, this portal aims to make Malta’s heritage more accessible to all. The project also symbolises a step forward in promoting local collaborations and sharing knowledge with audiences from every generation.

Visit www.talesofkottonera.com to start your adventure through Kottonera’s captivating past.

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