‘Discipline, management and political leadership’ must guide decisions – Tony Zahra

President of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association Tony zahra highlighted three critical factors he believes must guide Malta in the decisions it takes.

Speaking at the 2026 Malta Tourism Forum, organised by the association, Mr Zahra said that no matter what size a country is, no country can pursue every opportunity.

“Resources are finite, land is finite, infrastructure is finite and most importantly, our identity is also finite. Leadership, therefore, is about making choices,” he said.

If Malta is to realise the opportunities before it, three critical success factors must guide every decision, he said.

The first, he said, is discipline. “The discipline to remain focused on the opportunities that create long term value, while having the courage to say no to those that do not strengthen our national vision.”

He said that every activity done in Malta has to benefit the Maltese. “If we don’t keep that in mind, then we are not being fair with the population. The ability and strength to say no to some new ventures is what vision is all about.”

The second, he said, is management – the ability to plan strategically and coordinate effectively across institutions. “This is Malta’s strength, to have so many institutions in one room to plan together and execute plans and strategies that benefit Malta,” he said.

“We have to remember that decisions have to be taken here and to benefit the people of Malta.”

The third, he said, is political leadership. “We are a representative democracy. We vote and appoint our representatives. We therefore have to speak continuously to our representatives.”

He said that they have to take decisions that go beyond political cycles, urging them to take long-term decisions.

“When discipline, management and political leadership work together, opportunity becomes progress, vision becomes reality, growth becomes sustainable.”