Tourism conference

I have just read with great interest, enthusiasm and understanding what John C. Grech, chairman of the Malta Tourism Authority had to say in his justified outburst before the tourism conference. How I wish I was in Malta to attend and give my views. There is so much wrong with the tourism industry and I sincerely hope that what Dr Grech is proposing to do is not too little too late. This summer I was in Malta for five months.

My husband and I have always worked very hard for the welfare of the tourism industry in Malta and I must admit that this summer what we saw and sometimes experienced beggared belief and in the end I gave up ringing different departments to try and rectify situations. In total we had about 40 visitors acquainting themselves with the island and this is when one can see and understand where the pitfalls are.

I challenge any minister to travel around Malta with a foreigner and to try and impress him with what we have got to offer. He would end up despairing and apologising. This was the case with us.

I am Maltese and a very proud one at that, but there were times this summer when I wished I was not connected with the island. I even asked one of our visitors to write to your paper complaining about a hotel in Qawra.

The letter was published but the hotel was never named. These hotels should be named and shamed and shut down. What about having a system where you have the mystery shopper or visitor to report what is going on, maybe even armed with a camera or a camcorder to have proof of the goings on?

What about having a survey of visitors leaving the island to give their opinions while they are waiting to board their flight? Why not even maybe have an office at the airport for complaints? But, when you do get the complaints, for goodness sake do something about them. Do not let nepotism or friendship interfere with the industry, which could be the salvation of the island.

Deep down the Maltese are a proud people. Why are they not proud enough to keep the island clean and tidy and show it off as it should be? God has blessed Malta with some wonderful features - make the best of them and make the access to them comfortable. Get to grips with the ones who are trying to make a quick cent at the cost of the livelihood of thousands of others and those of you who earn their living in the industry, be more on your guard and save your own skin. Why should we admit that Tunisia is better and cleaner than Malta? What can they in North Africa do that we Maltese cannot do?

We are an intelligent and forward looking people and we are talking about our own bread and butter. For goodness sake, wake up, Malta, and, yes, when you go to the conference today do not just stand there and pose. Stand up and be counted for what you are going to say and report and do not leave the hall until you have assurances that the government is willing to comply with whatever you decide.

I wish the conference and Dr Grech the best of luck.