Yacht owners have been targeted, even though marginally, in the tax increases and can expect to pay anything between €90 and €200 on their annual licences. The licences will increase as follows: €90 for yachts larger than 3.64 metres but without an engine; €120 for those with an engine of between zero to 99 hp; €140 for 10 to 25 hp; €165 for 26 to 50 hp; €185 for 51 to 75 hp; 190 for 76 to 150 hp and €200 for engines larger than 150 hp. But the budget also comes with a pledge to start studying sites for new yacht marinas, a move which may bring some much sought-after space but could also spark confrontation with environmental NGOs, which have been adamantly against such a marina in Ħondoq ir-Rummien, Gozo.

At the same time, government-owned marinas in Msida, Ta' Xbiex and Gozo will be privatised. Next year should also see work staring on the renovation of the Menqa at Marsa and the Heritage Park at the Upper Barrakka Gardens, along with the restoration of a number of tunnels and shelters.