Tourism begins to recover as July experiences increase in arrivals

Sep 16 2021

Figured published by the National Statistics Office (NSO) on Wednesday have revealed that a total of 121,311 tourist arrivals were registered during July 2021. This marks a considerable increase in arrivals compared to July 2020, where figures stood at 48,743, but still pales in comparison to the 305,588 arrivals recored in July 2019.

The NSO revealed that 105,942 people visited Malta for a holiday while 5,099 came to the island to conduct some form of business. The figures revealed that the largest share of arriving tourists were aged between 25 and 44 years of age, occupying 37.6 per cent of the bracket with the 0-24 age bracket closely following at 34.5% per cent.

Total expenditure from tourists hit a whopping €126.5 million with average expenditure per night being around €113 as the tourism industry continues its rebound following slower months as a result of COVID-19.

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Tunnel lights to be adjusted following social media backlash

Sep 16 2021

Following a significant amount of negative reactions from the recently-installed high-powered LED lights in Malta’s four major tunnels, Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg has stated that the intensity of the lights will be adjusted.

The tunnels had been commissioned for a massive overhaul in 2018, with an upgrade and analysis analysis of fire safety, visibility, security and emergency systems currently underway. A major part of the tunnels’ renovation works was the switch from considerably dim, dated lights to the new high-powered LED system, which system created somewhat of a stir on social media for being too intense for drivers, especially during the night.

Minister Borg reported that the final phase of the project is currently in progress, with one of the main tasks being the regulation of light intensity, which brightness is also said to change according to the time of day.

What do you think of the new lights?

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ERA to investigate massive blaze at Marsa scrapyard

Sep 16 2021

A fire broke out in a scrapyard/waste recycling plant early today, producing a thick cloud of smoke and unpleasant stench in various surrounding cities and villages in Malta. The fire reportedly broke out around midnight, calling for several units of Civil Protection to control it.

Being in an industrial area, the fire and the subsequent smoke created concerns of toxic fumes, along with traffic jams being reported in areas like Marsa.

Medical crews were also called onto the scene to assist the firefighters with any medical issues that may arise due to the blaze’s fumes. The Environment and Resources Authority has stated that it will investigate the blaze and Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri took to Facebook to praise the Civil Protection Department for an entire night of battling the blaze. The Minister also shared that new equipment was utilised to control the situation.

Send this to someone who may have seen the fire.

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Juventus and Chelsea provide no shocks as group H gets under away

Sep 15 2021

Juventus and Chelsea both played their first Champions League games yesterday night. For the first time since the 2012/2013 season the two clubs will play in the same group stage this season. Juventus started off their Champions League journey with a 3-0 win over Swedish champions Malmo whilst Chelsea narrowly beat Russian champions Zenit 1-0.

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Juventus started their Champions League campaign the best way possible, easily beating their opponents 3-0. This is the Bianconeri’s first win of the season after 3 unsuccessful attempts in the league. The first goal of the game came from a low diving header by defender Alex Sandro. Juventus’ second goal came from a Dybala penalty right before half time in the 44th minute. The third goal came only a minute after the second as a perfectly timed Morata run led to him dinking the keeper and killing off the game. The second half was quite lackluster and in fact there was no goals in it.

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Chelsea vs Zenit was a closer game than the Juventus game was. Zenit kept ahold of Chelsea’s attack all game long making a few if any defensive errors. In the first half who the better team was was quite evident, as Chelsea had more of the ball and attacked Zenit’s goal constantly. Zenit also had many chances but didn’t look as deadly as their opponents. Chelsea found their goal in the 68th minute when captain César Azpilicueta crossed the ball from deep, perfectly on to Lukaku’s head which resulted in a Lukaku header going in. The game ended like it started Chelsea trying to attack but Zenit defending well.

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