The hospitality and tourism sectors have reported a busy New Year’s Eve, according to the Chamber of SMEs. Fifty-thousand people flocked to Valletta for the celebrations and St Julian’s saw large crowds as predicted. Clubs, bars and restaurants enjoyed high footfall throughout the night, according to operators. Stakeholders catering for private parties, such as those taking place in homes and rented villas, also experienced high demand. “We’ve heard very good reports from Valletta and St Julian’s as well as from across the rest of the country,” said Chamber of SMEs deputy president, Philip Fenech. “In places like Mellieħa and Qawra, while attendance was good, the concentration of bookings was quite pocketed. “Some hotels, for example, reported full occupancy while others were less busy.” The fireworks display in Mellieħa is thought to have attracted more people to the area this year, though the decision to sponsor the event caused controversy due to the tourism ministry’s decision not to sponsor the annual display in Valletta. Mellieħa forms part of the electoral district represented by Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo. Fenech emphasised the positive atmosphere of the evening,...
↧