The development of the tourism product requires clear direction so as to ensure that any development proposed and implemented meets government's objectives for the sector. In this regard it is important to have clear policies which provide such direction. Malta's National Tourism Policy 2015 – 2020 is the main guiding document identifying also new areas for product development amongst which rural and eco-tourism. The Product Development Directorate is also the first port of call for those investing in tourism accommodation in the form of hotels, guesthouses and hostels or catering facilities.
Tourism product development is mainly undertaken to facilitate product diversification, development or improvement of tourism products with the help of knowledgeable and qualified staff. It aims at enhancing visitor experience by building consensus and strategic alliances with business stakeholders in order to bring about socio-economic growth. Tourism product development seeks to support in the maintenance, development and enhancement of the tourism product.
Tourism product development aims at long-term sustainable development by the execution of a number of strategies. These strategies bring into focus a generic idea to increase competitiveness, build an inclusive industry by promoting closer integration of people and develop and maintain the environment. Tourism product development is designed to increase the income in the sector. Tourism product development involves implementation of a comprehensive plan of action that will guide towards dealing with estimated increase in business over the short, medium and long-terms.
Tourism product development helps in improving product quality by complying with the standards set by international benchmarks. Within the framework of current Government Tourism Policy, Product Development will seek to assess the product gap and implement initiatives to influence the development of accommodation types, service providers and other products to address the industry's current and future needs.
Projects & Initiatives
The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), in collaboration with the Ministry for Tourism is continuously involved in projects whose objective is to improve the tourism product. In the last years the MTA has embarked on a number of projects with the main aim to improve the visitor's experience whilst on the islands in order to ensure more value for money. Read more...