More than a quarter of Swieqi tourism short-lets had at least one violation

More than a quarter of inspected tourist accommodation properties in Swieqi were found to have at least one violation. 

Six properties had no licence or authorisation to operate, the Malta Tourism Authority found, after it recently undertook an “intensive operation” to inspect tourist accommodation in Swieqi.

In a statement, the Tourism Ministry said that, over the previous two days, the MTA had conducted 252 inspections. More than a quarter of the properties inspected, 67, were found to have at least one violation. 

The ministry did not specify what those violations were, other than they were related to its operations or licensing, 

Following the Swieqi inspections, the MTA issued 14 enforcement notices and blacklisted six others.

“Follow-up inspections will continue over the coming weeks. The MTA will continue to closely monitor compliance within the sector and will not hesitate to take further enforcement action wherever breaches of the regulations are identified,” the ministry said.

Increasing tourism numbers have led to complaints from residents about antisocial behaviour from tourists, who often stay in short-term rental accommodation, especially in towns near Paceville, such as Swieqi.

Minister Jo Etienne Abela said the government wanted a tourism industry in which operators competed on a level playing field.

“The quality and reputation of Malta’s tourism industry depend on the seriousness with which we enforce the regulations," he said.

"We have a responsibility towards operators who invest in and run their businesses properly, as well as towards our residents and visitors. Anyone who chooses to operate outside the law should be aware that they will face immediate and decisive action."