Two more Valletta streets to play music till 1am despite protests

Jun 14 2022

New regulations which permit bars, restaurants and other establishments in Valletta to continue playing music until 1am have spurred protests and new action by a fresh political group.

The legal notice in question says that music can be played to 1am rather than the usual 11pm in establishments located in Merchants Street, Old Bakery Street, Old Theatre Street, Republic Street, South Street, St. Lucia Street, and Strait Street.

To this list, Archbishop Street and Saint Ursula street were also added. Following this development, Residenti Beltin, a recently formed resident’s group, protested outside the Valletta local council offices.

The group, which registered as a political organisation with the Electoral Commission, expressed the concerns of the capital city’s inhabitants. President of Residenti Beltin, Billy Mc Bee, said that the group intends to contest the local election in 2024 with the aim of safeguarding Valletta’s residents.

He went on to say that the new music rules were the last straw which broke the camel’s back, with the Valletta local council saying that they had nothing to do with the legal notice that came into force last week as they were not consulted.

MaltaToday’s sister newspaper Illum was informed by Valletta Mayor Alfred Zammit that the council will be asking for the legal notice to be amended so the 1am limit will only apply over the weekend and for only soft music to be played.

By soft music, he meant background music that can only be heard by patrons at a table. The council will also insist that live bands will not be able to play after 11pm and the council will continue refusing permits for DJs to play in Valletta.

Amid fears that Valletta will turn into another Paceville, Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo told journalists that the capital city will not become another Entertainment Mecca.

“I understand the residents, I started my political career in the local council, and so one has to see the way forward,” he told journalists outside parliament on Monday. He however defended the legal notice by insisting that a number of tourists have expressed their wish to have a drink in Valletta after dinner.

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Today’s temperature set to hit a scorching 33°C as heat persists

Jun 14 2022

We get it – it’s hot. But how hot exactly? Today’s temperature is set to feel like a 33°C, with the highest temperature set to be 31°C and the lowest 21°C.

The week is set to continue the blazing trend, albeit with minuscule reductions in heat. UV levels will also be at a high 10 throughout, meaning you better make sure your sunscreen is handy.

Thankfully, the sea is set to be calm with Force 3 and 4 winds not stirring much of a wavy nuisance. And that might bode well for us even more as it could mean we don’t see as many jellyfish as we have for the last couple of weeks.

The high temperatures of course come with public health recommendations so that people stay hydrated, not sunbathe too long in direct sunlight, and apply sunscreen among other things.

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5 reasons why you should study at ITS

Jun 14 2022

Tertiary education unlocks the doors of our future and when you want to pursue a career in the tourism and hospital industry, you may look no further.

Like most tertiary education institutions, The Institute of Tourism Studies offers a range of courses on full-time and part-time basis but what sets ITS apart from the rest is the provision of hands-on & internship experiences whilst prioritising student wellbeing across the board. The list of reasons of why you should study at ITS is endless, but here are 5 of the main ones:

Malta’s main tourism and hospitality institution

Since it was established in 1987, ITS has been Malta’s leading tourism and hospitality educational institution. With a wide variety of study programmes taught by experienced and dedicated lecturers, you’ll find yourself studying in specialised halls, labs and kitchens to receive education which is both theoretical as well as practical.

Moreover, ITS boasts a 98% employability rate so students can put their mind at rest with regards to employment.

Offers internationally-recognised qualifications

ITS has secured contracts with various top International Universities and Institutions to ensure students not only graduate from a reputable institute but also have the opportunity to study at these institutions. Students can obtain a more comprehensive experience and develop skills to meet diverse international standards.

ITS has collaborated with renowned universities such as the Institut Paul Bocuse, Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, SUNx Malta and DAN Europe. Pair that with an academic affiliation with one of the world’s top 10 hospitality schools, The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management and you can put your mind at ease.

Education beyond the classroom with hands-on experience

While theoretical knowledge is also of utmost importance, students will also have the opportunity to get an extensive, hands-on experience at the ITS training restaurants, kitchens and hospitality laboratories across campus. Amongst the many exciting platforms of education are ITS’ four restaurants, six individual kitchens, bar lab, wine lab, food science lab and chocolate lab.

Paid internships with both local & international organisations

As part of their study programme, the students also have the opportunity to gain further training through the Local Industrial Trade Practice and International Internship. With these internships, students can obtain a more comprehensive experience and develop skills to meet diverse international standards.

ITS partners with HOSCO, the world’s leading hospitality job site, where ITS students and alumni may network and find career opportunities worldwide.

Track record of finding employment before graduation

As we’ve mentioned, the Institute of Tourism Studies boasts a jaw-dropping 98% employability rate, with ITS Alumni going on to become head chefs, general managers, pastry chefs, establishment owners, event planning managers, tourists guides, and so much more.

A look at ITS’ testimonials page will show how strategic plans flourish into internship experiences and ultimately fulfilling careers, so if you’re planning your future, start with ITS.

TAG SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO GET INTO THE TOURISM INDUSTRY!

Applications are currently open and found at www.its.edu.mt.

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Tourism Minister bans sun-beds on Blue Lagoon sandy beach and limits them to quay

Jun 14 2022

Following a demonstration by Moviment Graffiti in which the NGO removed deckchairs from Comino’s sandy beach, Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo came out and banned them outright from the area.

Bartolo revealed that they will be limited to the quay area but in reduced amounts. This would see the scenario change drastically on Comino, away from the clutter of noise and crowds which were posing a problem year after year.

Questioned on his way to parliament, the minister said that matters at Blue Lagoon already improved. He said that the sandy area will be totally accessible to people as sun-beds will no longer be allowed there.

‘This way, we can assure that people can lay out their towels and stay there if they want to, but at the same time, the substantial number of visitors who ask to rent sun-beds will be catered for’ he explained to journalists.

The minister also revealed that capping the number of visitors is being considered as part of a long-term management plan for Comino. He went on to add that Graffiti activists were on the island the same day that MTA officials were going to be there to make sure issue is addressed.

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Photo Source: Moviment Graffiti