Members of the local hospitality industry this week marked the birthday of Raymond Bartolo, a 52-year veteran of the Hilton Malta.

Staff from the hotel itself, former colleagues of Mr Bartolo, and those from the wider industry all took to social media to wish him the best.

Amongst them was Mahmoud Elkot, current Duty Manager of the Hilton Malta, who described Mr Bartolo as a “role model of true legend,” who has come to appear as a Hollywood star for the hotel’s regular guests.

Many others also sent their best wishes on his birthday, with one describing him as an “anchor of hospitality, always ready with a smile and a great disposition to help guide everyone alike.”

Over his decades at the Hilton Malta, Mr Bartolo has seen a comprehensive transformation of both the hotel and Malta’s wider hospitality and tourism sector.

Indeed, considering Hilton Malta first opened its doors in St Julian’s in the 1960s, Mr Bartolo has served the hotel for most of its life, which has included the redevelopment of the site, the building of new facilities at the Portomaso Complex, and multiple major renovations in the meantime.

In this time, according to one commentator, he can be seen "always wearing a smile, always willing to help others in need... A true and rare specimen."

"To many more years."