Welcome to MHRA
The Malta Hotels & Restaurants Association was formed in 1958. The promoters' intention was to unite all those who own, manage or operate a hotel and restaurant, and to counsel and represent them. The industry, then just a fledging, desperately required unity of purpose and stategy.
The newly formed Association sought incessantly to direct successive administrations towards recognising the benefits of a successful tourism industry. It also worked hard in the interest of its members, who required an umbrella protection of a strong and cohesive union to represent them.
The attainment of Independence in 1964 heralded a wave of confidence in the Islands' potential as a holiday destination. The MHRA was not slow to sieze upon the opportunity to press for improvements in its industry. Hotels started sprouting throughout our Islands and the number of beds trebled. The increase in the number of restaurants was commensurate with the increase in tourists and the prosperity of the Maltese.
The seventies and early eighties witnessed increasing growth in the Maltese tourism industry, and Malta started diversifying into new markets. Further growth was achieved in the nineties with the introduction of a number of hotels in the five and four star categories, as well as a number of gourmet restaurants and food chains.
The Association encouraged its members to build good quality properties, and keep an ever-watchful eye on the standards of service. On the other hand, it sought with some success to persuade government to invest in infrastructural facilities, which would complement the members' investments. Thus, airport facilities, roads, beach cleaning, proper sign posting, staff training through the Institute of Tourism Studies and many other components of the industry were built following the intervention of the Association.
As a major Association in the tourism sector, the MHRA represents the interests of its members on several important national policy making bodies, including the Board of the Malta Tourism Authority, the Institute of Tourism Studies and the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development. In addition, the Association maintains close contact with government departments and ministries, keeping them aware of the problems facing the industry from time to time and contributing towards and pressing for their solution.
The MHRA is also a full member of HOTREC (hotels, restaurants and cafes in Europe) which is fully recognised by the Eurpean Union. Valuable information is regularly channelled to our Assiciation and passed on to the members.
The Association's 47-year history of endeavour and achievement assures its place amongst the more important constituted bodies in Malta. Its contribution towards the improvement of the industry remains continuous and valuable.
The MHRA today represents 70% of all hotels in Malta and 35% of all restaurants, collectively representing an investment of over Lm 450 million and employing in excess of 20,000 people. This confirms the Association's place of prominence amongst Malta's employers' unions.
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