The Maltese national party has called for a suspension of the 7% VAT on accommodation to aid hoteliers and local entrepreneurs in a time of ‘uncertainty’ where Maltese hotel bookings seem to be declining due to Coronavirus.
In a statement signed by Robert Arrigo, spokesman for tourism, the PN said the industry is going through a period of uncertainty which has been exacerbated by the government’s lack of planning.
As reported in maltatoday.com, fears surrounding the coronavirus have continued to escalate, as Italy closed all schools and universities for two weeks in a bid to stymie the spread of the virus. Football matches and main sporting events will also be played behind closed doors as the neighbouring country has become a hotbed for COVID-19 in Europe.
On Tuesday doctors called on the government to cancel all tourist flights from northern Italy as a precaution to prevent a coronavirus outbreak in Malta.