Hili Ventures has welcomed the Planning Authority's decision to approve the controversial multimillion euro hotel project. 

In a statement issued on Thursday (today), Melo Hili, CEO of Hili Ventures, said "This important milestone affirms our vision to create a world-class hotel that elevates Malta’s tourism product while respecting the unique character of Comino. We are proud to partner with Six Senses, a sustainability-focused hospitality brand, to deliver a carefully integrated and environmentally responsible destination.”

This approval comes despite criticism from NGOs and members of the public over concerns about overdevelopment on Comino.

The new hotel and bungalows will be managed as a single property by Six Senses, an eco-conscious luxury brand that forms part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). HV Hospitality is investing €170 million in the project, which will introduce a "more sustainable and lower-density approach to tourism on Comino".

The project involves the full redevelopment of the existing hotel and bungalow structures at San Niklaw Bay and Santa Maria Bay, which were originally built in the 1960s. Under the terms of the recommended permit, the site will remain dedicated exclusively to tourism, in line with HV Hospitality’s declared intentions and existing title deed. 

As part of this shift, the maximum number of guests will be reduced from 284 to 240, reflecting a clear move toward lower-density, higher-quality hospitality.

HV Hospitality was established in 2019 with the aim of investing in properties and locations around Europe to develop hotels and resorts. The company is still in the development stage with its first project on the island of Comino, Malta. In 2023, HV Hospitality marked a major milestone, by partnering with the hotel brand Six Senses, which forms part of InterContinental Hotels Group plc.

HV Hospitality is a subsidiary of Hili Ventures, 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, with a team of more than 12,500 people. Hili Ventures is also a partner of Apple, Konecranes, McDonald’s, Microsoft, NCR, Six Senses, and various other global brands.