MeetInc sat down with Karl Fenech, Hospitality Division Head of Tumas Group—one of Malta’s most influential family-run conglomerates. In this deep-dive we explore how the group’s hospitality arm is evolving amid changing tourist demographics, sustainability demands, and a broader legacy of property and leisure that stretches back decades.

‎

When Karl Fenech stepped into his current role, he inherited more than just hotel portfolios. “This is not about adding rooms, it’s about raising the bar for what a Maltese guest experience means,” he told MeetInc. His mandate: to leverage Tumas Group’s longstanding footprint in real estate, casinos, resorts and leisure, and deliver hospitality that reflects Malta’s premium tourism ambitions.

‎

Tumas Group: heritage meets diversification
Founded by Tumas Fenech in the 1970s, Tumas Group describes itself as a “syndicate of property professionals with over 50 years’ local experience in property investing, rentals and fund management”

‎

With 25+ active companies spanning hotels, casinos, construction and energy, the hospitality segment now plays a centre-stage role. The group’s iconic Portomaso complex in St Julian’s remains the cash-cow of the portfolio.

‎

Karl notes: “Our mission is to exceed our customers’ needs and enhance shareholders’ value.” He emphasised the group intention to push “quality services, no half-measures”. Tumas’s strategy of long-term horizon investments is evident in its earlier property deals and expansions.

‎

Shifting gears in hospitality
Under Fenech’s watch, hospitality is shifting from mere capacity to distinctiveness. He identified three key vectors: experience differentiation, sustainability credentials and nimble asset usage. “We’re designing stays that aren’t just rooms and wings but moments — the arrival, the view, the local story,” he says. “Malta no longer competes only on sunshine and sea; we must deliver meaning.”

‎

One early initiative: a repositioning of one of the group’s hotels to appeal to “well-being travellers” rather than only high-volume bookings. “We had to ask ourselves: What value does the guest really want? If it’s not just the bed, then we must build something they love, talk about, recommend.” Karl emphasises that quality over quantity is now the objective.

‎

Operational clarity and human alignment
Tumas’s diversity brings complexity, Karl explains—but it also delivers resilience. “We have hotels, construction, casinos, even transport history in the mix,” he says. “The hospitality team must work with every part of the group: property, F&B, landscaping, energy. It’s a symphony and not just a hotel operation.”

‎

One internal soundbite: “If someone in construction builds a tower and we treat the guest like a contractor, we’ve failed. The mindset must shift.” He further adds: “Our strongest asset isn’t the ledger, it’s the team. A front-desk smile matters as much as a stronger foundation slab.”

‎

Challenges and local context
Malta’s tourism market is mature and highly competitive. Karl acknowledges issues such as rising labour costs, environmental pressure, and shifting demand post-Covid. “We don’t just build new hotels—we ask: is there enough talent? Are we carbon-light? Are we telling the Maltese story not just the resort one?” He points to the regulatory environment and the need for alignment with Malta’s national tourism and sustainability goals as both challenge and opportunity.

‎

Looking ahead
Tumas Group is gearing for further growth—but with a sharper lens. Karl forecasts stronger branding of their hospitality portfolio, targeting niche segments like destination spa, corporate retreat, and “purposeful leisure”. “We believe Malta’s next tourism wave will look for authenticity, local purpose and high standards,” he said. “We want to be at the front of that wave, not chasing it.”

‎

Why this matters
For platforms like MeetInc, Karl Fenech and Tumas Group epitomise the evolution of Malta’s business ecosystem—from property-led conglomerate into experience-driven operator. As the islands reposition their offering, the hospitality sector moves beyond volume and becomes narrative, sustainability and high-touch service. Karl’s leadership marks the story of transformation in action.

‎

This feature is part of MeetInc’s ongoing effort to highlight Malta’s business leaders and the companies driving tomorrow’s economy. Visit meetinc.com.mt to register and join the platform where Malta’s business leaders meet.