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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Nationalist Party Calls On Government To Reconsider Msida Flyover

Oct 31 2024

In a recent press conference, the Partit Nazzjonalista (PN) urged the government to reconsider plans for a three-storey flyover in Msida, advocating instead for alternative traffic solutions.

Shadow Minister for Transport and Mobility Mark Anthony Sammut, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Capital Projects Joe Giglio, and Msida Mayor Charles Selvaggi, along with other PN representatives, voiced concerns over the project’s impact on traffic and the local environment.

The proposed flyover, intended to improve traffic flow, has faced criticism for potentially increasing congestion near Msida’s skatepark and the University area.

The PN highlighted that Infrastructure Malta has not confirmed that the single-lane flyover in each direction will effectively reduce traffic.

During consultations, Infrastructure Malta reportedly mentioned further projects might be necessary to address traffic in the area, raising questions on the flyover’s long-term benefits.

Mayor Selvaggi emphasized the Local Council’s reservations, citing a January 2023 council meeting where doubts about the flyover’s effectiveness were documented.

To date, the Council has received no further details from Infrastructure Malta on the project’s comprehensive impact.

The PN called on the government to explore alternatives that focus on efficient, alternative transport methods, aiming to ensure sustainable infrastructure solutions for Msida’s future.

#MaltaDaily