Hospitality stakeholders operating in Floriana are weighing in on how the housing landscape in the locality is evolving.

Speaking to WhosWho.mt, a short-let property owner and the manager of 23 Boutique Hotel shared their perspectives on the rise of short lets, property restoration, and the importance of maintaining a balance between tourism activity and a stable local community.

A previous article published on WhosWho.mt explored concerns raised by Floriana’s local council about declining permanent residency and the rise of short-term accommodation in the locality. Speaking at the time, Mayor Nigel Holland and Vice Mayor James Aaron Ellul warned that the growing prevalence of short lets could gradually reshape the character of the historic town if a balance between tourism and residential life is not maintained.

According to one Floriana short-let owner, the emergence of platforms such as Airbnb in the locality coincided with a period in which many residents had already begun leaving.

They pointed out that the exodus of residents began before the steep increase in property prices seen over the last decade. "They were leaving before that started to happen," they said.

Deputy Mayor James Aaron Ellul has previously spoken out about the structural reasons for Floriana's declining population, pointing to the characteristics of the properties available as a significant disadvantage, with many properties in Floriana consisting of older layouts with multiple floors and narrow staircases, making them less practical for modern family living or ageing residents.

“People today are not only looking for a house: they are looking for practical spaces, often single-storey apartments,” Mr Ellul said, noting that some properties offer several rooms stacked vertically, which may be less attractive to buyers.

From this perspective, short-let investment filled vacant property opportunities rather than directly driving residents away. 

The owner also emphasised that Floriana continues to retain aspects of its traditional character through local businesses and community organisations.

“Things that keep the character of a town are shops and clubs, beautiful buildings and of course, locals,” the owner says. “What I find so lovely about Floriana is that you can still go to cafés, bars, the barber etc for locals. The clubs, like Vilhena Band Club, are still very popular and attract locals and tourists alike.”

While acknowledging that the locality’s identity should be protected, the owner noted that the presence of tourism has not necessarily erased its character.

“I think Floriana still has character. However, it is really good that the council is aware that it is important to preserve this.”

Property restoration linked to short-let investment

The owner also pointed to another dimension of short-let investment: the restoration and upkeep of older buildings.

“Derelict blocks in Floriana are a breeding ground for rat infestation,” the owner says. “Also pigeons breed in derelict buildings resulting in dirty, unsightly pavements.” 

According to the owner, property investment has contributed to addressing some of these issues. In our previous reporting, the Mayof of Floriana, Nigel Holland, echoed this sentiment. "Short lets are helping the local economy and have supported restoration projects.They have also reduced some issues like abandoned properties and even pigeon problems.

“When investing in properties in Floriana, owners buy, preserve and keep their properties clean. So part of this problem is no longer there, although there are still a lot of derelict blocks left.”

Looking ahead, the owner said it remains difficult to predict how attitudes toward short-let accommodation may evolve.

“I don’t know and cannot predict people’s reaction to short lets in the long term.”

However, the owner stressed that preservation rules should remain strict, particularly given Floriana’s historic urban fabric.

“The law should be very clear. Original features cannot be removed so investors have to preserve historic façades whether they like it or not. The Planning Authority has to remain strict and no rules should be bent under any circumstances.”

Hotels highlight importance of maintaining local life

The manager of 23 Boutique Hotel similarly emphasised the importance of maintaining a balance between tourism and residential life.

“In recent years we’ve definitely seen more short-term accommodation and fewer permanent residents.”

While tourism remains central to the locality’s economy, the manager believes that the presence of a real community is essential to maintaining the area’s appeal.

“Our guests don’t just come for a room, they come to experience the place,” the manager says. “When there is a real local community, with neighbours, small shops, and everyday life happening around them, it creates a much more authentic feeling for visitors.”

According to the manager, this atmosphere contributes directly to the experience offered by hospitality businesses.

“That atmosphere is something you can’t really replace with tourism alone,” the manager says, pointing out that that "for hotels like ours, that local character is part of what makes the stay special for guests.”

As discussions continue – including the national conference planned by the Floriana Local Council later this year – the question remains how historic localities such as Floriana can sustain both economic activity and residential life in the years ahead.