FELTOM CEO James Perry said it is too early to judge what effect Malta’s inclusion on Germany’s red list will have on the English language learning sector.

If Malta remains listed as a high-risk region from which travellers are forced into mandatory quarantine for 14 days, it will “100 per cent affect the EFL industry”.

However, he remains upbeat on the chances of the Maltese Government’s attempts to turn the red listing around to bear fruit. “We are very hopeful that the rapid testing to be deployed at the airport will breed a sense of security and confidence.”

A study commissioned by FELTOM to Deloitte found that COVID related disruptions translated into an 80 per cent decrease in business in 2020. In view of Germany being a major market for the local language school sector, questions were raised as to whether this latest red-list development would further impact the industry.

Asked about the upcoming Budget, Mr Perry acknowledged the importance of the wage supplement system in avoiding the worst effects. He hopes to see more initiatives aimed at supporting businesses, noting the impact of the voucher system on the local hospitality, restaurant and retail industries. Similar efforts can be replicated for other industries.

“Whether these take the form of vouchers for visitors to be used locally, subsidies on the school fees of English language learners, or air travel discounts for students, there’s a lot that can be done.”

Mr Perry noted that the winter market for EFL is wholly different to the summer market where students typically stay for a short period. The winter market is characterised by long-term students staying for a number of months, not weeks, providing more opportunities for the local industry in COVID times.

If the situation in Malta stabilises, safe corridors of travel are secured, and the right incentives are in place, the EFL industry might avoid the worst-case scenario which would see over 1,350 jobs being cut, with a knock-on effect on other industries.