The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) has slammed the direction Malta’s capital city is heading in, saying it is no longer going to be able to attract high-value tourists.

It also hit out at Valletta Mayor Alfred Zammit’s view on late-night music in the capital. 

“Whereas MHRA supports the concept of having commercial activity in Valletta, the way it is currently being carried out is causing a lot of damage to the tourism activity residing in Valletta due to loud noise being allowed till the early hours of the night,” MHRA said.

“According to feedback received, this is particular during the weekend, characterised by a chaos of loud amplified music across Valletta.”

Saying that they’ve noticed an increased level of complaints and requests for compensation by guests staying at Valletta hotels due to noise pollution, MHRA urged a new approach.

“the style and method of entertainment being currently promoted under the watch of the Valletta Mayor contradicts efforts in positioning Valletta as a high-end destination as agreed to by all tourism stakeholders through the National Tourism policy,” it said. “Facts demonstrate the way currently entertainment is being allowed is leading to a deterioration of the quality image of Valletta as a unique destination in Malta.”

“In this light, MHRA reiterates and calls upon Government to suspend and re-evaluate legal notice (LN 161 & 163) in a way which promotes entertainment with conditions fitting for a high-end destination,” it ended. “In the interim, MHRA appeals for a holistic plan for Valletta that satisfies the requirements of the residents and the entire business community.”