Product Development
The Product Development Directorate guides sustainable tourism growth by aligning investments with national policy, enhancing quality, diversifying offerings and improving visitor experiences.
Through strategic planning and stakeholder collaboration, it supports long-term competitiveness, socio-economic benefits and the development of tourism accommodation and services to meet current and future industry needs.
About the Directorate
The Product Development Directorate of the Malta Tourism Authority provides strategic direction to ensure that all tourism-related development aligns with national objectives. It serves as the first point of contact for those investing in accommodation or catering facilities, guided by clear government policies to shape and support sector growth.
Tourism product development focuses on diversifying and enhancing offerings through collaboration with knowledgeable staff and industry stakeholders. The aim is to improve the visitor experience, foster socio-economic development, and ensure the tourism product evolves sustainably to meet changing market demands.
By implementing long-term strategies, the directorate addresses current and future needs of the sector. These include improving quality standards, identifying product gaps, and promoting inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and international competitiveness—all within the framework of Malta’s national tourism policy.
Projects
The Product Development Directorate plays a vital role in enhancing Malta’s tourism infrastructure through carefully planned, high-quality restoration and embellishment works across the islands. Working in close coordination with local councils, heritage bodies, and other stakeholders, the team undertakes projects that preserve cultural landmarks, upgrade public spaces, and improve the visitor experience.
In recent years, this Direcorate has delivered numerous impactful initiatives, including the regeneration of Mellieħa Parish Square, the Għadira promenade, and the St. Paul’s Bay Belvedere. It has also contributed to Malta’s cultural and religious heritage by providing new lighting for Naxxar Parish Church and new bells for Ta’ Ġieżu Church in Valletta. Other notable achievements include the embellishment of Pjazza Vittoriosa, maintenance works on the iconic St. Agatha’s Tower in Mellieħa, and the restoration of St. Thomas Tower in Marsaskala.
Ongoing projects include new lighting for St. Helen’s Basilica in Birkirkara, the upgrade of Buġibba Square, the revitalisation of Pjazza San Pawl and Sacré Monte in Rabat, and the restoration of the historic Comino Tower.
Beach Management
Information on the Malta Tourism Authority’s programmes and work on beach management can be accessed here.
Tourism Services Providers Development
The Tourism Services Providers Development Unit is responsible for evaluating developments requiring a Tourism Compliance Certificate or a ‘No Objection’ from the Malta Tourism Authority. This clearance is often needed before applicants can proceed with submissions to other national bodies such as the Planning Authority and the Health Department. The TSPD also serves as a gateway for projects submitted via the PA’s e-application system, including both private and government initiatives. It coordinates internationally using the Internal Market Information System (IMI), which facilitates communication with EU counterparts. Domestically, the TSPD engages with service providers through the Point of Single Contact portal, aiming to simplify cross-border service provision and business establishment.
The Unit oversees various tourism-related activities as outlined in Chapter 409 of the Malta Travel and Tourism Services Act. These include the regulation and certification of hotels, tourist villages, guest houses, hostels, catering establishments, travel agencies, incoming tourism agents, destination management companies, organised excursion operators, and dive centres. Each type of establishment or operator must comply with specific legal definitions and submit applications for compliance either in hard copy or online. The goal is to uphold tourism standards, ensure transparency, and guide both operators and the public on expected service quality.
Hotel Height Policy
The Planning Authority administers a policy framework that supports eligible hotels in enhancing their competitiveness and long-term sustainability. The policy allows hotels rated three stars or higher by the MTA to apply for permission to add up to two additional floors beyond the height limits set in the Local Plan, provided the proposed development maintains a high standard of design in line with its urban context.
This framework aims to improve the overall quality and capacity of existing hotel infrastructure while encouraging investment in upgraded facilities. The policy applies exclusively to hotels that are not located in scheduled areas, Outside Development Zones (ODZ), ridge edges, or Urban Conservation Areas (UCAs).
To safeguard the integrity of tourism development, any permissions granted under this policy are rendered void if the hotel is subsequently proposed for a change of use. The MTA places strong emphasis on the operator’s commitment to enhancing quality, addressing seasonality, and targeting specific niche markets. Hotel operators are also encouraged to participate in the MTA’s ECO-Certification scheme as part of a broader commitment to sustainable tourism practices.
Contact
Deputy CEO & Director – Product Development
Perit Kevin Fsadni
E: kevin.fsadni@visitmalta.com
PA to the Deputy CEO
Ms. Marica Bugeja
E: marica.bugeja@visitmalta.com
Senior Manager
Ms. Stephanie Attard
E: stephanie.a.attard@visitmalta.com