ADPD proposes hotel freeze and eco-tax overhaul as Malta hits tourism ceiling
ADPD calls for a halt to new hotels, a carrying capacity study, and directing tourism fines and eco-tax to local councils, saying Malta has reached its limit.
ADPD-The Green Party has called for an immediate halt to new hotel developments and a formal carrying capacity study, arguing that Malta's infrastructure can no longer absorb the current volume of tourism.
The party pointed to power outages, sewage contamination and excessive traffic as evidence that the island's systems are collapsing under demand. ADPD Chairperson Sandra Gauci said the notion of a peak season no longer applies, with tourist presence now stretching across the entire year.
Gauci noted that residents are exhausted by round-the-clock noise, poor waste management and widespread vandalism. She insisted that fines collected from offences should be directed to local councils rather than central government.
On eco-tax, Gauci called on the government to fulfil a previous promise to allocate a portion of the tourism eco-tax to local councils. She also proposed increasing the tax and directing all proceeds to councils, giving them more resources to manage tourism pressures.
The party highlighted the proliferation of hotels and Airbnbs even in traditionally residential areas. Gauci cited Qormi as an example where hotel development proposals are being advanced despite the area's residential character.
ADPD said all control and direction regarding the country's path has been lost due to a complete lack of planning. The party urged authorities to stop approving new hotels, insisting the island reached its limit a long time ago.
If adopted, these measures would represent a significant shift in Malta's tourism policy, directly affecting the hospitality sector's expansion plans and short-term rental market. The proposed carrying capacity study could provide data that influences future development permits and licensing.
The proposals come as on-the-spot fines for non-residents, including tourists, have already been introduced through a legal notice. The party's stance signals growing political pressure to recalibrate the balance between tourism revenue and quality of life for residents.