Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1547431
3 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 1 NOVEMBER 2026 NEWS influwenza.gov.mt You can get vaccinated at any Health Centre or through Local Councils. Getting vaccinated against influenza reduces your risk of serious illness and complications. Less Flu More You! Alex Borg to propose lower tourist ecotax for winter months ALEX Borg will propose retaining the low ecotax on tourist accom- modation in winter, but agree with a higher summer charge, in his budget reaction tomorrow, MaltaToday has learnt. The proposal is one of several the Opposition leader is expect- ed to make in his speech, sources close to the Nationalist Party said. Borg is expected to argue that the increase in the eco-contri- bution identified in the budget should only be applied for the peak tourist season between May and October. The existing rates should remain unchanged throughout the winter months, from November to April. "During the winter months, many businesses operating with- in the tourism sector are already faced with the need to reduce their prices in order to remain competitive and imposing an ad- ditional financial burden during this period would only place fur- ther pressure on businesses at a time when they are already striv- ing to sustain their operations," the sources said, justify- ing the proposal to implement season- ally-sensitive eco- tax rates. In the budget, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana announced that the ecotax o n hotel accommodation will, from 1 January, increase to €8 per adult per night, capped at €64. The rate for those staying in short-let ac- commodation will rise to €10 per adult per night, capped at €80. The current rate does not differentiate between ac- commodation estab- lishments and is set at €1.50 per adult per night, capped at €22.50. The PN's proposal is to retain the €1.50 eco-con- tribution and the current cap- ping for the winter m o n t h s , irrespec- tive of the type of ac- commo- d a t i o n , w h i l e embracing the government proposal for the summer months. "Introducing the in- crease during the peak sea- son would represent a fairer and more balanced approach, taking into consideration the seasonal nature of the tourism industry and the financial real- ities faced by businesses during the quieter months," the PN sources said. The government is projecting to raise €214 million next year as a result of the higher eco-con- tributions, a significant increase from the €21 million collected in 2025. The higher rates come on the back of growing concerns about the impact of a booming tourism sector on the country's infrastructure. Malta is expected to have received 4.5 million visi- tors by the end of 2026, clocking 28 million nights of accommo- dation. KURT SANSONE ksansone@mediatoday.com.mt Opposition leader Alex Borg is expected to propose keeping the current €1.50 ecotax during winter while backing the government's higher rates for the peak summer season Alex Borg