Aiming to revive its tourism industry and get ahead of rival destinations, Malta plans to offer foreign visitors a handout of up to 200 euros ($238.10) each if they stay at least three days on the Mediterranean island this summer, The Hindustan Times reports.
Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo announced the scheme on Friday, saying that with most Covid restrictions expected to be lifted by June 1, tourists booking summer holidays directly through local hotels would receive the handout.
World Travel and Tourism Council data show the tourist industry, directly and indirectly, accounts for more than 27% of Malta's economy, but the Covid-19 pandemic has hammered the sector.
The country attracted more than 2.7 million foreign visitors in 2019, but figures have fallen by more than 80% since the virus was detected in March 2020.
Bartolo said tourists booking accommodation at a five-star hotel would get 100 euros from Malta's Tourism Authority, which will be matched by the hotel for a total of 200 euros.
