VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta will stop accepting new applications for all-inclusive resorts, most hostels, and lower-tier hotels under sweeping tourism reforms set to take effect in June.
A legal notice outlines the new framework, following a public consultation launched last November. The changes also scrap a controversial rule allowing hotels to exceed local height limits by two floors.
Tourism Minister Ian Borg said the reforms aim to improve quality across the sector. “These regulations will raise standards across all accommodation categories, ensuring that we continue to meet and exceed our visitors’ expectations,” he said.
Under the new rules, the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) will no longer consider applications for one- and two-star hotels or all-inclusive resorts, particularly those proposed in Outside Development Zones (ODZ). Hostels will only be approved if linked to educational institutions and limited to 40 beds in residential areas.
Borg cited misuse of hostels to house foreign workers as a key driver behind tighter restrictions.
Caps have also been introduced: hotels will be limited to 200 rooms, guesthouses to 20 rooms, and short-term rentals to a maximum of 10 guests per property or two per bedroom. Dormitory-style accommodations will be refused outright.
The reforms introduce a new “diffuso” label, allowing accommodation providers to operate across multiple converted buildings within the same locality, sharing centralised services.
Short-term rental operators face stricter obligations, including mandatory signage with licensing details, 24/7 contact availability, and waste management plans. Air conditioning is now required, while sofa beds and underground rooms are banned.
Operators without a valid MTA licence risk a three-year disqualification and additional penalties. Properties failing to meet the new standards will not be licensed.
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(ITALPRESS).
