Overview of Catering and Hospitality Sector in Malta

As the catering and hospitality sector in Malta is continues to expand, so do the opportunities for those seeking careers in catering, hotel management, and food services. The latest reports suggest that the hospitality and catering sector in Malta employs approximately 50,000 people (including both full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees) – it is a significant portion of Malta’s overall workforce. Given the seasonal nature of tourism, many positions are temporary. However, Malta experiences less seasonality compared to the Greek Islands, where majority of establishments remains temporary close during the off-season.

Key Areas of the Catering and Hospitality Sector in Malta

The catering and hospitality sector in Malta is quite versatile, providing a range of job opportunities across various job roles. These include:

Restaurants and Cafés – Valletta, Sliema, St. Julians, and Mdina Areas

Malta’s restaurant scene is particularly concentrated in areas like Valletta (the capital), Sliema (a vibrant urban area), St. Julians (known for its bustling nightlife), and Mdina (the historical “Silent City”). These areas feature a wide variety of dining options, from high-end Michelin-starred restaurants (with the biggest concentration in Valletta)  to casual local eateries and pizzerias. The demand for skilled kitchen staff, waiters, bartenders, and restaurant managers is highest in these areas, thanks to both local and international clientele.

Hotels and Resorts – St. Julians, Sliema, Mellieha, and Gozo Areas

The hotel and resort industry is spread across Malta, with St. Julians and Sliema being prime locations for luxury hotels and resorts due to their proximity to the sea and vibrant tourist areas. Mellieha is another popular location, known for its family-friendly resorts, beachside properties for tourists that prefer nature and a bit more quiet staying. Additionally, Gozo (one of Malta’s islands) is home to several boutique and luxury hotels, catering to visitors seeking a more tranquil and highest quality experience. The demand for skilled professionals across all hotel departments is high in these areas, with roles ranging from receptionists and housekeepers to food and beverage staff.

Catering Services – Central Malta (Valletta, Birkirkara), the South of Malta, and Gozo

Catering services for events, weddings, corporate functions, and special occasions are in high demand across the island, especially in central Malta, like Valletta and Birkirkara/Mriehel, as well as other regions like Sliema, St Julians and Zebbug. These areas host many corporate and private events, which require event planners, catering chefs, and wait staff. Additionally, Gozo hosts many destination weddings and events, contributing to catering job opportunities in that region.

Bars and Nightclubs – St. Julians, Paceville, Sliema, and Bugibba

Malta’s nightlife is mostly based in St. Julians, especially the Paceville area, which is known as the island’s entertainment hub. Here, bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues are constantly hiring bartenders, baristas, and nightclub servers. Sliema is also a popular nightlife location with many trendy bars and pubs. Additionally, the St. Paul’s Bay area (on the northern coast) is another popular destination, attracting both locals and tourists looking to enjoy the nightlife scene. It is home to large hotels and high-end beach bars like Beefbar on the beach, Café del Mar Malta, and Nine Lives. These areas hire a significant amount of seasonal service staff and entertainers.

Tourism and Events – Valletta, St. Julians, Sliema, and the Grand Harbour Area

Tourism and events staff are most needed in areas that host large-scale festivals, conferences, and other gatherings. Valletta is a hotspot, especially for cultural events and festivals, which draw crowds throughout the year. St. Julians and Sliema also attract major conferences, with the largest iGaming companies organising annual gatherings and entertainment events. The Grand Harbour Area and Cottonera areas are frequently used for large-scale gatherings, outdoor events, and historical site tours. Event coordinators, guest services staff, and catering teams are in high demand to handle the influx of tourists and event participants.

Industry Standards and Requirements

To work in catering and hospitality sector in Malta, certain skills and qualifications are essential. These include:

• Food and Beverage Knowledge: A solid understanding of food and drink is crucial, especially in fine dining settings or those offering local Maltese cuisine. For kitchen staff, this means having experience with various cooking techniques and the ability to follow detailed recipes. Front-of-house staff should be familiar with the menu, wine pairings, and food preparation methods to provide a top-tier dining experience.
• Formal Qualifications: While many positions in the catering and hospitality industry in Malta don’t require formal qualifications, having a degree or diploma in hospitality management or culinary arts can significantly increase one’s chances of securing a well-paid job.
• Languages: Given Malta’s diverse tourist base, multilingualism is a huge asset. English is widely spoken, but proficiency in other languages like Italian is often preferred, especially in high-end establishments.

Hourly Rates and Pay

The catering and hospitality sector in Malta offers competitive pay, but like in many other industries, wages can vary significantly based on the role, experience, and the type of catering establishment. Here are some general figures for hourly rates:

• Waiters/Waitresses: The average hourly rate for waitstaff in Malta ranges from €6 to €8 per hour, with tips often adding a significant amount to the overall salary. In high-end restaurants or busy tourist areas, the rate can go up to €12 or more per hour.
• Chefs and Kitchen Staff: Entry-level chefs typically earn between €10 and €12 per hour, while experienced chefs, such as sous chefs and head chefs in upscale restaurants, can earn €15 to €25 per hour, depending on the establishment.
• Bartenders: Bartenders earn between €8 and €12 per hour, with tips boosting their total income. Mixologists in trendy bars or upscale venues can make upwards of €15 per hour, especially in the high season.
• Hotel Staff: Employees in hotels and resorts, such as receptionists, housekeepers, and food & beverage attendants, typically earn between €9 and €12 per hour. Management positions and roles in luxury hotels come with higher wages, ranging from €15 to €25 per hour.

Demand for Catering and Hospitality Workers

The demand for workers in the catering and hospitality sector in Malta is consistently high, particularly in the summer months (from May till October), which see an influx of tourists. With Malta’s ambition to continue attracting high-end tourists, including luxury cruise passengers and business travelers, the hospitality sector’s need for highly skilled employees is unlikely to slow down. The workforce in this industry is diverse, with many foreign nationals seeking seasonal work in Malta, especially during the peak tourist season.

Malta, a small but vibrant Mediterranean island, has become a prominent hub for tourism, fine dining, and a rapidly growing hospitality sector. The country’s picturesque views, rich history, and culinary diversity attract millions of visitors every year. Whether it’s working at a Michelin-starred restaurant or in a casual café, the job landscape for catering and hospitality professionals in Malta is diverse and offers something for everyone. The catering and hospitality sector in Malta offers a dynamic and rewarding landscape for individuals looking to build a career in this field.