Tourism deal with Manchester United a ‘trade secret’

The government has turned down an official Freedom of Information request to supply a copy of a multi-million euro marketing agreement reached with Manchester United last month. Among the reasons given to deny the request, the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) said the deal was “a trade secret”. This is despite the fact that public funds are being used. Under the deal, Malta became the English club’s official destination partner, meaning Visit Malta’s advertising will appear at Old Trafford and online. Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi said he hoped to use the exposure Manchester United’s brand has across Asia and the UK to attract new visitors to the island. It has not been disclosed how the success of the deal will be measured. Last month, The Sunday Times of Malta reported sources at the MTA claiming that the deal, covering three years of sponsorship, will cost taxpayers close to €20 million. Dr Mizzi denied the report and said the deal was not worth as much. However, when asked to reveal how much the government will be paying out, he did not give any details, arguing that the information is commercially sensitive. Times of Malta then filed a request for a copy of the contract under...