Product Development

The Product Development Directorate guides sustainable tourism growth by aligning investments with national policy, enhancing quality, diversifying offerings and improving visitor experiences.

Through strategic planning and stakeholder collaboration, it supports long-term competitiveness, socio-economic benefits and the development of tourism accommodation and services to meet current and future industry needs.

About the Directorate

The Product Development Directorate of the Malta Tourism Authority provides strategic direction to ensure that all tourism-related development aligns with national objectives. It serves as the first point of contact for those investing in accommodation or catering facilities, guided by clear government policies to shape and support sector growth.

Tourism product development focuses on diversifying and enhancing offerings through collaboration with knowledgeable staff and industry stakeholders. The aim is to improve the visitor experience, foster socio-economic development, and ensure the tourism product evolves sustainably to meet changing market demands.

By implementing long-term strategies, the directorate addresses current and future needs of the sector. These include improving quality standards, identifying product gaps, and promoting inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and international competitiveness—all within the framework of Malta’s national tourism policy.

Projects

The Product Development Directorate plays a vital role in enhancing Malta’s tourism infrastructure through carefully planned, high-quality restoration and embellishment works across the islands. Working in close coordination with local councils, heritage bodies, and other stakeholders, the team undertakes projects that preserve cultural landmarks, upgrade public spaces, and improve the visitor experience.

In recent years, this Direcorate has delivered numerous impactful initiatives, including the regeneration of Mellieħa Parish Square, the Għadira promenade, and the St. Paul’s Bay Belvedere. It has also contributed to Malta’s cultural and religious heritage by providing new lighting for Naxxar Parish Church and new bells for Ta’ Ġieżu Church in Valletta. Other notable achievements include the embellishment of Pjazza Vittoriosa, maintenance works on the iconic St. Agatha’s Tower in Mellieħa, and the restoration of St. Thomas Tower in Marsaskala.

Ongoing projects include new lighting for St. Helen’s Basilica in Birkirkara, the upgrade of Buġibba Square, the revitalisation of Pjazza San Pawl and Sacré Monte in Rabat, and the restoration of the historic Comino Tower.

Beach Management

Information on the Malta Tourism Authority’s programmes and work on beach management can be accessed here.

Tourism Development

The Tourism Development Unit (TD) is responsible for assessing development proposals that require either a Tourism Compliance Certificate or a No Objection clearance from the Malta Tourism Authority. Such clearances are frequently required prior to the submission of applications to other regulatory authorities, including the Planning Authority.

The Unit also serves as a key point of entry for tourism-related projects submitted through the Planning Authority's electronic application system, covering both private-sector and government-led developments.

In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 409 of the Malta Travel and Tourism Services Act, the TD oversees a range of tourism accommodation establishments, including hotels, tourist villages, guest houses, and hostels. Each category is governed by specific legal and regulatory requirements and is subject to the submission and assessment of compliance applications.

Through its regulatory and advisory functions, the Unit contributes to maintaining high standards across Malta's tourism sector, promoting transparency and consistency, and providing guidance to operators and the public regarding tourism service quality and regulatory compliance.