How to Prepare Your Business for Tourists in Malta This Summer | HupbyMalta
As the summer sun begins to shine over Malta, Gozo, and Comino, thousands of eager tourists are preparing to descend upon our picturesque islands. For local merchants—whether you run a boutique in Valletta, a seafront café in Marsaxlokk, or a family-run guesthouse in Gozo—now is the time to prepare your business for a digitally driven tourist season.
HupbyMalta, your trusted partner in promoting local businesses, urges all merchants to take proactive steps in getting summer-ready. Here’s how to ensure your business stands out, engages travellers, and maximises its reach in the upcoming high season.
1. Embrace the Digital Economy – Or Risk Being Left Behind
Today’s tourists don’t flip through guidebooks—they search, swipe, and scroll. Whether it’s booking a dinner reservation, finding a local souvenir shop, or checking guest reviews, decisions are made in seconds—online.
Key actions:
- Ensure your Google Business profile is up-to-date.
- Offer mobile-friendly browsing and booking options.
- Set up online menus or product catalogues.
- Highlight allergy-friendly, vegan or family options digitally.
If your business isn’t digitally accessible, it might as well be invisible.
2. Improve Visibility with Local SEO and Ratings
Search engines are the first port of call for tourists. That means your business needs to appear prominently when someone searches for “best seafood in Sliema” or “local artisan shops in Gozo”.
Key actions:
- Claim your listings on HupbyMalta and other directories.
- Encourage customers to leave authentic, positive reviews.
- Use location-specific keywords across your website, social media and profiles.
Need help? HupbyMalta’s digital consultants can support your local SEO journey from start to finish.
3. Optimise for Voice and AI Search (AEO)
With voice assistants and AI tools becoming mainstream, merchants must now think beyond traditional SEO. People now ask:
“Where can I get gluten-free pizza in St Julian’s?”
“What’s the top-rated diving school in Gozo?”
To be the answer to these voice queries, your business should:
- Use natural, conversational language on your website.
- Include FAQs to capture question-based searches.
- Provide structured data so search engines can understand your offerings clearly.
4. Focus on Mobile Payments and Contactless Experience
Digital-savvy tourists expect:
- Contactless payments
- QR code menus
- Mobile ordering systems
- Instant chat for customer queries
Hospitality technology is evolving fast. If you’re unsure how to upgrade, HupbyMalta’s tech consulting team can guide you in choosing the right tools for your size and budget.
5. Promote Your Summer Specials – Strategically
Whether it’s a sunset cruise offer or a happy hour menu, don’t wait until the crowds arrive. Launch campaigns early and consistently on:
- Social media (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok)
- HupbyMalta’s “What’s On” and Merchant Spotlight features
- Google Ads or local influencer partnerships
Create urgency with limited-time offers and geo-targeted promotions for those already on the island.
Let HupbyMalta Help You Shine This Summer
Hupby Malta is more than a directory—we’re a growth partner for local merchants. From boosting your digital presence to integrating contactless hospitality tech, we’re here to help you succeed this summer and beyond.
📩 Contact our HubpyMalta merchant support team today for a free consultation and make your business truly tourist-ready.
