Vice President - Mhra
Kappara, San Gwann, Mt
The Malta Hotels & Restaurants Association was formed in 1958. The promoters’ intention was to unite all those who own, manage or operate a hotel or restaurant, and to counsel and represent them. The industry, then just a fledgling, desperately required unity of purpose and strategy.The newly formed Association sought incessantly to direct successive administrations towards recognising the benefits of a successful tourism industry. It also worked hard in the interests of its members, who required the umbrella protection of a strong and cohesive union to represent them.The attainment of Independence in 1964 heralded a wave of confidence in the Island’s potential as a holiday destination. The MHRA was not slow to seize upon the opportunity to press for improvements in its industry. Hotels started sprouting throughout our Islands and the number of beds trebled. The increase in the number of restaurants was commensurate to the increase in tourists and the prosperity of the locals.The seventies and early eighties witnessed increasing growth in the Maltese tourism industry, and Malta started diversifying into new markets. Further growth was achieved in the nineties with the introduction of a number of hotels in the five and four star categories, and a number of gourmet restaurants and food chains.The Association encouraged its members to build good quality properties, and keep an ever-watchful eye on the standards of service. On the other hand, it sought with some success to persuade government to invest in infrastructural facilities, which would complement the members’ investments. Thus, airport facilities, roads, beach cleaning, proper sign posting, staff training through the Institute of Tourism Studies and many other components of the industry were built following the intervention of the Association.
