In the pursuit of a sustainable future, Malta’s commitment extends beyond the realms of tourism and infrastructure to the pivotal domain of transportation, overseen by the regulator Transport Malta. This integral organisation plays a crucial role in shaping Malta’s mobility landscape, aligning its strategies with the nation’s broader sustainability goals. Transport Malta acts as the linchpin for initiatives that redefine the way people move within and beyond the islands.
With a mission to enhance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of the transportation sector, Transport Malta is actively contributing to the government’s ambitious plans for decarbonisation. Spearheaded by dedicated professionals, the Transport Malta is at the forefront of implementing electric mobility solutions, aligning with the nation’s goal to electrify 65,000 cars by 2030.
Beyond roads, Transport Malta is pivotal in orchestrating the electrification of buses and fostering alternative modes of transportation, creating a comprehensive network that embraces eco-friendly options such as e-bikes and public transport.
The vision for a greener sky and sea is materialising under the careful guidance of Transport Malta, which plays a critical role in maritime affairs too. Ensuring that the island nation’s maritime industry remains both competitive and environmentally responsible, the agency collaborates with international bodies like the International Maritime Organisation. By steering Malta’s maritime sector towards greener horizons, Transport Malta contributes to the global efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of maritime activities.
In our conversation with Clayton Bartolo, Malta’s Minister of Tourism, we gained insights into the nation’s response to the unprecedented challenges faced by the tourism sector during the pandemic. Taking office in November 2020, Minister Bartolo wasted no time in implementing immediate, medium-term, and long-term strategies to revive tourism.
Connectivity, a lifeline for any tourist destination, was swiftly restored, with Malta poised to reach an impressive 97 percent of pre-pandemic connectivity by the year’s end. However, the minister stressed that the focus is not just on quantity but a delicate balance of quantity and quality.
Central to Malta’s vision for a sustainable future is the acknowledgment that tourism and sustainability are not adversaries. Bartolo emphasised the need to combat seasonality, showcasing Malta’s success in niche markets like sports tourism, which saw over 16,700 bed nights in the first quarter alone. Additionally, the island is leveraging faith tourism, culture, and gastronomy to diversify its tourism product, boasting over 31 restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide.
In addressing environmental sustainability, initiatives are underway to optimise airplane seat load factors, effectively reducing per capita emissions. These measures, coupled with strategic investments, aim to ensure economic and environmental sustainability in the long term. Importantly, Bartolo underscored the human aspect of sustainability, focusing on workforce development, training programs, and improved conditions for employees.
The interview unveiled a holistic approach to tourism, where collaboration between the private and public sectors ensures an authentic and high-quality experience for visitors. Minister Bartolo emphasised the shared responsibility across the board, highlighting that everyone plays a crucial role in the success of Malta’s tourism industry.
Shifting gears to infrastructure and transport, we spoke with Aaron Farrugia, the head of Malta’s Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure, and Capital Projects. Against the backdrop of Malta’s impressive economic growth, Farrugia detailed the government’s commitment to sustainable development, particularly in achieving carbon neutrality in the transport sector — the major contributor to emissions in Malta.
To address the challenges of economic diversification, the Ministry is placing a strong emphasis on sustainable growth. Farrugia highlighted Malta’s commitment as a signatory of COP26 and COP27, with a specific focus on decarbonising the transport sector—the major contributor to emissions in Malta.
In a bold move, the government aims to electrify 65,000 cars by the first half of 2030, offering substantial incentives to make Malta a leader in green mobility. This commitment extends to public transportation, with plans to electrify buses and promote alternative modes like e-bikes. Recognising the significance of the maritime industry, efforts are underway to decarbonise at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) level.
Improving public transport is a cornerstone of Malta’s sustainability plan, with the country standing as the second in the EU to offer free public transport for all residents. Minister Farrugia emphasised ongoing efforts to enhance reliability, routes, and frequencies, ensuring demand matches supply. The government plans to invest €35 million in the next five years to create secure routes for cyclists and pedestrians, showcasing a commitment to diverse and eco-friendly mobility solutions.
Malta’s success in the aviation industry, with a 500 percent increase in Air Operator Certificates, demonstrates the island’s emergence as a thriving aviation hub. The maritime sector, boasting the sixth-largest ship registry globally, is undergoing digital transformation to maintain its innovative edge. At the heart of Malta’s commitment to sustainable transportation is the crucial role played by Malta Air Traffic Services (MATS).
As a vital component of the nation’s aviation infrastructure, MATS ensures the safe and efficient movement of air traffic within Maltese airspace. Committed to aligning its operations with environmental sustainability, MATS collaborates with international aviation bodies to implement innovative measures that reduce the carbon footprint of air travel.
Beyond transportation, Farrugia shed light on comprehensive infrastructure projects reshaping Malta’s landscape. Over 100 roads are undergoing transformation each year, alongside major projects modernising flyovers, junctions, and underpasses. Land reclamation projects, focusing on industrial, commercial, and family-friendly areas, underline Malta’s holistic approach to development.