Travels agents deem the decision to reopen the airport in July as a “good beginning”, though they would like to be involved in the drawing up of the health protocols being drawn up so they can be better prepared.

“The decision gives us some hope of being able to salvage what we can of the summer season,” Iain Tonna, President of the Federated Association of Travel and Tourism Agents, told whoswho.mt.

However, he insisted that it all depends on consumer confidence.

He added it would be good if travel agents were involved in the formulation of the related health protocols. That would not only serve for them to give their advice based on their long experience in the industry but also be well prepared when tourists start arriving, Mr Tonna continued.

Since new updated brochures need much longer to prepare, travel agents will be relying more on social media and electronic marketing as well as on their overseas partners, he explained.

“Let’s give it our all and hope we achieve the best possible results in the circumstances,” Mr Tonna concluded.