MHRA backs Ghadira road plans

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants' Association (MHRA) today backed the government's proposals for a new road in Ghadira, saying it considered positively the enlargement of this beach with the addition of sand and recreational areas.

"The proposed development should result in an enormous boost to our Island’s touristic potential, especially considering that Ghadira should be Malta’s flag ship beach, in view of the scarcity of sizeable sandy beaches on the Maltese Islands. MHRA supports any initiative which ensures that our ‘product’ is maximised to the benefit of our industry and that of the Maltese people," the MHRA said.

"It is without doubt that a good majority of people from Northern Europe travel South for the enjoyment of the warm climate and seas the Mediterranean offers. It is equally obvious that we can only manage to compete with our neighbours which boast lovely endless sand beaches on the blue Mediterranean seas, with proper development of our Product Malta."

The association said the proposed increased footprint of the beach would go a long way towards alleviating the discomfort caused by the very high density levels registered in Ghadira, which were amongst the highest not only in Malta, but also in the world.

The association said the new road should not prejudice or negatively affect other developments such as the bird sanctuary and Foresta 2000.

It therefore called for an in-depth consultation process and detailed planning before the development was started.