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MeetInc sat down with Ray Fenech, Chairman and CEO of Tumas Group, to discuss a family legacy that spans decades, the landmark projects that shaped Malta’s skyline, and how the group is preparing for a new era of innovation.
Fenech’s connection to Tumas Group is deeply personal. “My father started the first showroom in 1968. I joined in 1976, the youngest of the siblings. I’ve practically grown up with this company.” That family-first ethos still underpins Tumas today, even as it has evolved into one of Malta’s most diversified enterprises, spanning **hospitality, real estate, and gaming.
The Portomaso Vision
The Portomaso development remains Tumas’s most iconic achievement — a transformative project conceived in the 1990s that faced significant scepticism. “It was a bold gamble and one of the most rewarding moments of my career,” Fenech reflects. “Seeing it completed after 25 years cemented our belief in long-term thinking.”
This landmark was followed by other ventures, including Hilton Malta, which the group has managed since 1986, and new forays into **branded residences and major refurbishments. Each project reflects a philosophy of **lasting quality supported by strong governance and vision.
Governance and Partnerships
International partnerships with Hilton, Rizzoli, and Siemens have been critical to Tumas’s growth, bringing global standards of compliance and operational excellence. “Working with such partners forces you to keep your governance sharp and your ambitions high,” Fenech says.
These collaborations have enabled diversification, including ventures in port operations, while keeping the company rooted in Maltese values. “We’ve always balanced local insight with international expertise — it’s what makes us resilient.”
Preparing the Next Generation
The third generation of the Tumas family is now stepping in, eager to drive innovation in digital platforms, marketing, and online gaming. “Technology is no longer optional — it’s essential. We’re already developing platforms that serve both B2B and the end consumer,” Fenech explains. With **40 contracted platforms and another 100 in the pipeline, the group is set for significant digital expansion.
Yet despite modernisation, Tumas remains deeply human. Many employees have been with the company for 40 years or more, fostering a culture of loyalty and continuity. “We are not robots — relationships matter. We listen, we support, and that’s why people stay with us.”
Balancing Profit and Purpose
For Fenech, profit is not about excess but about reinvestment. “Profit isn’t just for leisure — it’s what enables expansion and opportunities for the next generation.”
This approach underpins the group’s ongoing focus on hospitality and online gaming, which Fenech sees as Malta’s next growth frontier. “We’re committed to keeping this legacy alive — and making sure it evolves with the times.”
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