The Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, the Hon. Mario de Marco addressing the seminar© 2010 DOI - Pierre Sammut

The importance of quality and standards in the catering sector

While addressing an MHRA seminar for the catering trade held at the Corinthia Palace Hotel on February 9th, the Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, the Hon. Mario de Marco said that the importance of standards in the catering trade is crucial as it depicts the need for ongoing development and striving harder to achieve better results in a sector which has seen the number of catering outlets double over the period of 20 years – from 636 in 1990, to the current 1,256.

He said this when he was concluded a Conference for the Restaurant Trade entitled “The Restaurants Sector – Taking Stock to Move Forward” organised by the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association.

Dr de Marco referred to Quality, Authenticity and Professionalism as the three important factors that should help in achieving a more holistic and, indeed, unique experience for the client, thus providing value-for-money and a greater concept of genuine products and services.

The Parliamentary Secretary referred also to the fact that from regular surveys carried out by the Malta Tourism Authority, the catering offer was, overall, rated positively by the majority of tourists, with an average of seven out of 10 respondents indicating it was a positive one. He also stated that during the summer months, the catering offer is rated less favourably than the rest of the year, both in terms of the physical aspect as well as in terms of the service aspect.

Dr de Marco concluded by referring to government’s ongoing commitment to assist in improving the standards within the catering trade, thus constantly looking for practical and successful ways in making the tourism product a more pleasant experience for all our visitors.