Watch: ‘Residents Are Being Priced Out’ – Swieqi Deputy Mayor Warns Over Unsustainable Tourism

Swieqi Deputy Mayor Jordan Galea Pace has warned that residents are being “priced out” of their own locality as the effects of unsustainable tourism continue to take their toll.

In a video shared after another sleepless night for residents, Galea Pace said the situation in Swieqi is worsening, arguing that despite the government’s focus on economic growth and wellbeing, many people may eventually be forced to leave the locality because they can no longer afford to live there.

He stressed that supporting residents does not mean being against tourism or local businesses, noting that many Swieqi residents work in the tourism industry or own restaurants that benefit from visitors.

However, he said the locality is now feeling the effects of tourism that has become unsustainable.

“The problem is that residents are being priced out of their own community,” Galea Pace said, adding that many of the solutions being introduced today should have been implemented a decade ago.

The deputy mayor also called for greater enforcement of on-the-spot fines to tackle disruptive behaviour, saying local councillors cannot issue fines themselves but urging authorities to make full use of the powers now available.

His comments come amid growing complaints from residents over noise, overcrowding and anti-social behaviour in Swieqi during the peak summer season.

What do you make of the points brought up by Jordan?

Video credits to @jordan_gp_

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Gabriel Falzon

Gabriel Falzon is a social media executive at Lovin Malta, with a keen interest in digital media, local businesses, and the natural world. Outside of work, you’ll often find him baking up a storm, diving into video games, or exploring the endless corners of YouTube.