Honouring The Visionary Spirit Of George Fenech
It has been eleven years since the passing of George Fenech, a man whose drive, foresight and dedication laid much of the foundation for what Tumas Group represents today. As CEO and Managing Director, George was a force of quiet strength and relentless vision. His contribution to Malta’s economic, tourism and urban landscape remains not only measurable but deeply felt.
George’s leadership was shaped by action and instinct. By the time he formally took the reins of the Group in the early 1980s, he had already begun guiding the company’s expansion into new and ambitious sectors. While his father, Tumas Fenech, remained involved on the property development side, George focused on broadening the business into hospitality, gaming and retail.
His first hotel venture, the Cartwheel Hotel in Bugibba, laid the groundwork for a bold entry into the tourism industry. This was soon followed by the Carlton Hotel in Sliema. In 1982, construction began on what would become the Topaz Hotel and by 1984, George had introduced Malta’s first timeshare apartments, 36 in total. This move was not only commercially savvy but also ahead of its time, anticipating the evolution of tourist demand long before the market caught on.
Expansion continued at pace. The Topaz Hotel was further extended, and that same year, George acquired and developed the Halland, gradually turning it into a 70-apartment timeshare destination. In 1985, the Group took over the Dolmen Hotel, overseeing a full refurbishment and the addition of 38 more timeshare apartments. Just a few years later, the property was again transformed, this time with the addition of the Oracle Casino, a conference centre and additional hotel rooms. Each project was approached not simply as a business opportunity, but as a platform to elevate Malta’s standing as a tourism destination.
Perhaps one of George’s most iconic legacies is the redevelopment of the Hilton Malta. Acquired in 1988, the property would later become the centrepiece of the visionary Portomaso development, which remains one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken by a single private company in Malta. The original Hilton was demolished in 1995, and after years of planning and development, the new Hilton Malta opened its doors at the turn of the millennium. The adjoining residential units at Portomaso were met with extraordinary demand, selling out quickly and setting a new benchmark for luxury real estate on the island.
George also led Tumas Group into new and diverse territories. In the early 1990s, he spearheaded the acquisition and opening of the L-Imgarr Hotel, introduced Malta’s first private jet service, and launched Bernardi, one of the largest retail fashion outlets in Sliema at the time. He also recognised early the potential of digital technology, establishing one of Malta’s first internet service providers, On-Vol, in 1995.
Beyond the business milestones, what truly set George apart was his character. Those who worked alongside him speak of a man who was honourable and humble, whose word and handshake carried more weight than a signed contract. He was known to back his employees when they took initiative, always leading by example with a firm but supportive presence.
He was not interested in showmanship. George’s success was matched by his humility. He carried his achievements lightly and placed more importance on integrity, loyalty, and respect. His leadership was not about hierarchy, but about driving results through collaboration, consistency and trust.
Even today, his values continue to shape Tumas Group’s direction. The focus on long-term thinking, responsible development and people-first leadership can all be traced back to George’s philosophy. Projects such as the award-winning Quad Business Towers and the Group’s ongoing investments in sustainable, human-centric environments are a reflection of the same principles he upheld: building for the future, while honouring the past.
As we reflect on his life and legacy, we do so with deep gratitude and pride. George Fenech’s contribution to Malta’s economic development, to the Tumas Group and to all those who had the privilege of working with him, cannot be overstated.
He remains, to this day, a central figure in the story of Tumas Group; a visionary, a builder and a gentleman.