Comino hotel developer HV Hospitality – part of Hili Ventures – has characterised activists' arguments against its proposed Comino hotel as "misconceptions and misrepresentations."

In a press statement issued after a coalition of NGOs filed a formal appeal against the project's permit, the developer hit back at claims that public concerns over the impact on the island – a protected nature reserve – were ignored.

"HV Hospitality has engaged in an extensive, transparent planning process over the past five years," it said. "The company has always listened to the expected scrutiny on this project."

The approved proposal includes the demolition of the existing hotel at San Niklaw Bay and bungalows at Santa Marija Bay, replacing them with a 140-bed hotel and 16 serviced bungalows. It is to be managed by the globally-acclaimed Six Senses brand.

In the statement, the company added that the proposal seeks to redevelop “an already-built hotel and bungalow complex that has existed on Comino for decades.” It said that, under the plans, the built footprint would be reduced by 8,200 square metres, while “obsolete infrastructure” would be removed and degraded land restored.

“This will result in a net increase in undisturbed land,” HV Hospitality stated.

The company also pointed out that the project has already been revised following consultations and environmental studies in an “extensive, transparent planning process over the past five years.” 

Among the changes was a reduction in the number of bungalows from the originally proposed 21 units to 16.

HV Hospitality said the hotel would have a lower guest capacity compared to previous designs and would be built to “the strictest environmental standards,” with the company aiming for LEED certification – an international standard for sustainable building design.

It concluded that it “remains committed to responsible stewardship of the site and continues to engage in constructive dialogue and collaboration with all stakeholders, to realise its vision for Comino – one that promotes lower-density and more sustainable tourism.”

HV Hospitality is a subsidiary of Hili Ventures Limited, the Maltese-owned group engaged in food service & retail, real estate & hospitality, shipping, oil & gas, engineering, and technology in 10 countries across Europe and North Africa.