time to explore with esplora
Facelifts for St Paul’s Bay, Żurrieq and San Anton Gardens
Next year, the government will begin the process of regenerating tourist sites including Wied iż-Żurrieq, San Anton gardens in Attard and the St Paul’s Bay area.
Tourism minister Julia Farrugia Portelli made the announcement during the debate on the Budget 2021 today. She said that the regeneration plans would also be aimed at ensuring synergy between visitors and locals and therefore, would not be solely tourism-focused.
She added that the government continued improving Malta’s tourism offering during the pandemic. It had already invested €10,000,000 in Valletta, €5,000,000 and a further €15,500,000 in terms of regeneration projects in 20 locations.
st paul's bay
san anton gardens
The minister said that 2021’s allocated budget of €95,000,000 was the biggest yet; a €10,000,000 increase over 2020’s budget.
Compared to the past 10 years, Farrugia Portelli said that the first two months of this year were the absolute best in terms of tourism figures. However, the COVID-19 pandemic slashed arrivals in Malta by no less than 80%. It’s estimated that the loss caused by the pandemic is eight times greater than that experienced during the 2009 financial crisis.
The government paved the road to ensure Malta a running start, when the situation improved. Among others, 2021 will see the launch of a brand new ITS campus at Smart City, a three-year long project.
The minister called for unity during such challenging times.
