MTA Increases Swieqi Inspections Following Tourist Chaos

The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) has confirmed that it has ordered the immediate closure of the Swieqi apartment block where bottles were thrown from balconies onto parked cars, following inspections that uncovered widespread breaches of its licence conditions.

The confirmation follows an incident in Triq Cannataci that saw 12 young tourists fined a combined €2,000 after admitting to breaching public order regulations and illegally disposing of waste by throwing bottles and other objects from the property’s balconies.

In a statement, the MTA said further inspections established that a significant number of apartments within the block were operating in breach of the conditions attached to the licence issued by the Authority. The authority has since initiated enforcement proceedings and is taking all legal measures available against the property’s licensee.

The closure also follows footage shared with Lovin Malta showing bottles being hurled from balconies onto parked cars below, as well as growing concern among residents over anti-social behaviour linked to short-let accommodation in the area.

The MTA said it will continue carrying out inspections in Swieqi and other localities alongside the Community Police and local councils to identify non-compliant operators and ensure adherence to Malta’s accommodation regulations.

It also reiterated that, under revised accommodation regulations, any property found operating as a short-let without the required licence will be barred from obtaining one for three years, in addition to any fines, administrative penalties or legal proceedings that may apply.

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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.