The catering sector needs consistent support and reliable infrastructure

Stronger infrastructure and consistent, rather than one-off, support can help the restaurant and catering sector operate more effectively and offer better products and services.

During a meeting with the Association of Catering Establishments (ACE), Opposition and Partit Nazzjonalista Leader Alex Borg said that while the sector is resilient, it is currently facing a number of challenges. Among these, he highlighted the electricity supply problems experienced once again this summer, which caused significant disruption to these establishments.

Alex Borg said he would continue to push for the Partit Nazzjonalista’s proposal to reduce the VAT rate for catering establishments to 7%, as this measure would not only help establishments reduce their costs but also encourage them to improve their services and products. He said that this measure would create a level playing field and provide these establishments with far greater stability than a one-off fund that offers no long-term solution.

Referring to this proposal, ACE officials said that the measure would also generate more revenue in tax receipts and questioned why the Government continues to refuse to introduce it.

They also said that they still have no indication of when they will benefit from the fund promised to them by the Government before the election.

ACE also emphasised the need for greater investment in training within the hospitality sector, noting that the industry is losing experienced workers who are unable to continue working once they reach retirement age.

The Partit Nazzjonalista representatives agreed that more must be done to encourage Maltese and Gozitan young people to once again consider catering as a sector in which they can build their careers.

This meeting forms part of a series of meetings being held by the Partit Nazzjonalista with social partners ahead of Budget 2027. The meeting took place at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in Valletta and was also attended by PN Deputy Leader and Shadow Minister for Tourism Alex Perici Calascione; Shadow Minister for the Economy, Technology and Strategic Projects Darren Carabott; and Shadow Minister for Local Government and Public Works Bernice Bonello.

16.10.2026