Tourism During 2024’s Start Set To Be Better Than 2023’s Winter

Nov 22 2023

Taking to social media, Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo announced that tourism for the start of 2024 is set to be much better than that of 2023’s winter period.

The latest National Statistics Office reports for inbound tourism showed that the total inbound tourists for September 2023 were estimated at 299,190.

This was an increase of 20.2% when compared to the corresponding month of 2022. Meanwhile, inbound tourists in the first three quarters of 2023 amounted to 2,285,450, with total expenditure amounting to around €2.1 billion.

While it remains to be seen how much the total will be for 2023, Bartolo’s announcement comes as Malta hosts the Mediterranean Tourism Forum Minister’s Summit.

During the summit, Malta’s tourism minister stated how due to constant changes around the world, it is vital that tourism in the Mediterranean needs to be put into a rethinking process.

Bartolo highlighted that the modus operandi of 10, 5 or even 3 years ago cannot be applied for 2023 and 2024, and that the impacts on the world mean that the tourism sector needs to be rerouted to sustainability and authenticity.

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The Perfect Storm Set To Hit Malta Starting Today

Nov 22 2023

According to weather forecasts, such as those by Facebook weather page ‘It-Temp Madwarna’, a storm is set to hit Malta during the latter half of Wednesday 22nd November and carry on into the following few days.

According to this same forecast, this storm follows weeks of persistent dryness across the island. As the first weather instability arrives on the island, reportedly from Tunisia, locals are advised to prepare for an incoming tempest.

Without causing too much alarm, the page warns that flooding, strong winds, possible water sprouts and/or tornadoes, heavy rainfall and hail as well as cloud-to-ground lightning are all to be expected.

The storm is expected, according to the Malta International Airport weather forecast, to last into Thursday 23rd November if not even into Friday 24th.

Looks like we’re finally getting that winter weather!

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Quota For Low Skilled Third Country National Workers Proposed

Nov 22 2023

Labour MP Omar Farrugia has put forward a proposal for the introduction of a quota system targeting “low-skilled” third-country national workers in sectors facing an excess supply.

Addressing the Maltese Parliament, Farrugia advocated for a nuanced approach, emphasizing the importance of welcoming high-skilled third-country nationals with professional qualifications while considering a diminishing annual quota for other workers deemed “low-skilled.”

Farrugia stressed the necessity for collaborative discussions among stakeholders and social partners to determine specific numerical quotas. The proposed system aims to strike a balance, enabling businesses to adapt and gradually reduce reliance on what is conventionally labeled as “low-skilled” labour.

Exceptions were noted by Farrugia, specifying that restrictions should not be applicable to critical sectors such as healthcare, caregiving, and other essential areas. In instances where there is an oversupply of workers, Farrugia suggested drawing inspiration from the UK’s points-based immigration system.

The proposal aligns with the Chamber of Commerce’s recent advocacy for a cap on the percentage of third-country nationals employed by businesses, excluding those providing essential services. A survey conducted by the Chamber of SMEs underscored worker shortages as a primary challenge for Maltese businesses.

Farrugia sees this proposed concept, successfully implemented in other countries, as a strategic means to enhance the lives of individuals and sustain businesses while avoiding a detrimental “race to the bottom” scenario.

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Portugal Ran On 100% Renewable Energy For 6 Days Straight

Nov 22 2023

Portugal achieved a groundbreaking feat during the early hours of Halloween, establishing a record-breaking streak of six consecutive days where renewable energy production surpassed the nation’s total consumption.

This record, set between October 31 and November 6, endured for 149 consecutive hours, generating 1,102 Gigawatt hours (GWh) of renewable energy, surpassing the 2019 record of 131 hours.

Despite fossil fuel plants operating during this period, Portugal also set a national record of 131 gas-free hours, exporting excess clean energy to Spain for 95 of those hours.

REN, the company overseeing electricity and gas supply in Portugal, highlighted the country’s commitment to sustainability and the integration of indigenous renewable sources.

Portugal, a trailblazer in renewable energy, pledged carbon neutrality by 2050 in 2016, well ahead of the European Union’s commitment in 2019. Having shut down its coal plants two years ago, Portugal exceeded its goal of eliminating coal as a fuel by 2030, achieving it nine years early.

Wind and solar power are Portugal’s primary renewable sources, with plans to integrate them into hybrid plants for enhanced efficiency. The country aims to decommission all natural gas-fired power plants by 2040 and has outlined ambitious plans to double solar and hydrogen energy capacity.

Portugal’s pursuit of carbon neutrality and sustainable energy practices positions it as a leader in the global transition towards renewable energy.

#MaltaDaily