Tourism Development
Supporting tourism development through guidance, compliance approvals, accommodation classification, and the assessment of changes to licensed establishments.
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.
Under the 2026 Regulations, new hotel and collective-accommodation projects face tighter criteria, with quality and heritage prioritised over scale.
What changes for this application:
Proposals exceeding the height limits in the applicable Local Plan Height Limitation Maps will no longer be favourably considered.
New hotels, extensions or redevelopments with more than 200 rooms will not be considered, nor will establishments rated below three stars.
New one- and two-star hotels and all-inclusive resorts are excluded, particularly within Outside Development Zones (ODZ).
Guest houses are limited to a maximum of 20 rooms in urban conservation areas and must respect the architectural value of the buildings.
Boutique and luxury boutique hotel categories are formally recognised in law for the first time.
New “Heritage” and “Diffuso” labels are introduced — the latter allowing accommodation across multiple buildings in the same area, centred on a main building — with strong emphasis on the restoration and adaptive reuse of historic buildings.
Across all accommodation:
A single, harmonised licensing framework now covers all categories of tourist accommodation; operating without MTA authorisation is expressly prohibited.
A Tourism Policy Compliance Certificate is required, where applicable, as a prerequisite for development and licensing.
Licences are issued only to the “proprietor in title” — owners, authorised agents, lessees or other lawful holders of rights over the property.
The reform signals a clear shift from volume-driven growth towards a more sustainable, higher-value tourism model.
Source: S.L. 409.24 — Tourism Accommodation Regulations, 2026, in force after a transitional period.
Establishments we oversee
- Hotels
- Tourist villages
- Guest houses
- Hostels
How to apply
Applicants are required to download and complete the application form below in full, ensuring that all required fields are completed and that original signatures are provided where applicable.
The supporting documents listed on the first page of the application form must also be submitted. Supplementary forms and templates are available below; applicants should download and complete only those that are relevant to their application.
The application and the relevant forms should be downloaded using the links below and subsequently uploaded via the website provided below.
In addition, the original signed application form (only) must be submitted to the Malta Tourism Authority, either by hand or by registered mail, addressed to the Tourism Development Unit.
Applicants are advised to carefully review and comply with all instructions and submission requirements contained within the application form. Failure to provide the required documentation may result in delays in processing or the application being deemed incomplete.
Forms & templates to download
Download the application form and only the supplementary templates relevant to your application.
Application form
Complete in full and sign. The first page lists the supporting documents required.
Marketing & Operations report template
Where applicable — the structure for the marketing and operations report.
Reason for extension
Where the proposal involves an extension.
Reason for upgrade
Where the proposal involves an upgrade.
Reason for extension and upgrade
Where the proposal involves both an extension and an upgrade.
L.N. 92 of 2026
Tourism Accommodation Regulations, 2026 (S.L. 409.24).
Documents to submit
The application is only valid once all the relevant documents below are submitted:
- Application form — Required · download template
- Marketing & Operations report — Where applicable · download template
- Reason for extension — Where applicable · download template
- Reason for upgrade — Where applicable · download template
- Reason for extension and upgrade — Where applicable · download template
- Payment — Paid manually at the MTA Cash Office at SmartCity Malta — the application is not processed until payment is made
- Site photos — Each clearly numbered and referenced on the site plan
- Endorsed site plan — A4 extract from the 1:2500 survey sheet
- Layout plans to scale 1:100 — Certified and dated by an Architect and Civil Engineer
Fees
No payment is taken online. The application fee must be paid manually at the MTA Cash Office at SmartCity Malta before the application is processed. Fees are non-refundable once the application is processed.
| Up to 30 units | 31–90 units | 91 units and over | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotels — 4 & 5 star | €349.41 | €815.28 | €1,164.69 |
| Hotels — 3 star | €232.94 | €582.34 | €931.75 |
| Guesthouses & Hostels | €232.94 — any number of units | ||
Application received
Thank you — your application has been received and saved.
Payment required before processing. The application fee must be paid manually at the MTA Cash Office at SmartCity Malta (Building SCM 01, Ricasoli, Kalkara — Monday to Friday, 08:30–12:00). Your application will not be processed until payment is made. Quote the applicant name and the proposed development name when paying.
Save this private link. Use it to send further documents later — for example documents requested by the Tourism Development Unit after your application is accepted:
Remember: the original signed form must also be delivered to the Tourism Development Unit.
Frequently asked questions
What type of tourist accommodation requires a Tourism Policy Compliance Certificate (TPCC)?
Collective tourist accommodation establishments in Malta and Gozo require a TPCC. This includes hotels, guesthouses and hostels.
Do I need MTA approval before applying to the Planning Authority?
A Tourism Policy Compliance Certificate (TPCC) from the Malta Tourism Authority must be obtained prior to submitting an application to the Planning Authority.
How do I apply?
See the Application tab for the forms, templates and full instructions on how to apply.
Can ownership change after receiving the TPCC?
Any change of ownership must be formally notified to the Malta Tourism Authority promptly. Depending on the case, updated documentation or reassessment may be required to ensure compliance.
What are the next steps after receiving a TPCC?
After receiving a TPCC, the applicant may proceed to submit the development application to the Planning Authority. Once planning approval is granted, further licensing steps with the Malta Tourism Authority must be completed before operation.
Do renovations require MTA clearance?
Any significant renovation that affects layout, classification, or capacity requires prior approval from the Malta Tourism Authority.
What happens if approved plans change and/or increase/decrease room capacity after the TPCC is issued?
Any proposed changes must be formally submitted to the Malta Tourism Authority for review. A formal request must be sent by email, including revised documentation and colour-coded plans clearly indicating all proposed changes. Approval must be obtained before implementing any modifications.
Does a TPCC expire?
The validity period is stipulated in the TPCC. Holders must ensure that all conditions stated in the TPCC remain valid and compliant throughout its duration.
Can tourism accommodation applications be appealed if refused?
Yes. If an application is refused, applicants may submit an appeal in accordance with established procedures. Appeals are reviewed by the Tourism Appeals Board.