PA Official Runs Unlicensed Luxury BNB

A senior official within Malta’s Planning Authority (PA), Godwin Agius, is facing allegations of unlawfully converting a residential property into a high-end bed and breakfast. Despite regulations that mandate proper licensing for tourism establishments, Agius is reportedly operating the business without the necessary approvals. His prominent position in the PA, an entity responsible for issuing development permits and ensuring regulatory compliance, raises significant concerns about transparency and accountability in Malta’s planning sector.

The revelation that a key decision-maker within the PA is allegedly bypassing regulations highlights potential issues of conflicts of interest and regulatory loopholes that may allow those with political and institutional influence to evade scrutiny.

Questionable Planning Approval and Development Process

Investigative research by The Shift has revealed that in 2021, Agius submitted an application (PA05403/21) under his wife Katrine’s name to demolish a single-storey house in Triq San Pawl tal-Pitkali, Dingli. The proposed development sought approval for a five-storey building that was classified as residential.

However, within a year, a subsequent application (PA02039/22) led to Agius being replaced as the architect by Gilbert Bartolo, who happens to be the brother of former Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo. The change in the project's architect raised eyebrows, especially considering the high-profile nature of those involved.

Following its completion, the newly developed property emerged as a luxurious bed and breakfast, marketed under the name ‘Number 33 BNB.’ Described as a refined retreat that blends comfort, elegance, and scenic beauty, the establishment has been actively promoted across social media platforms and travel booking sites, attracting guests seeking upscale accommodations in the quiet village of Dingli.

Illegal Operations Without MTA Licensing

While the property is marketed as a premium tourism establishment, it has been found to be operating without a valid licence from the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA). According to Maltese law, any property offering short-term accommodation services to tourists must obtain approval from the MTA before accepting guests.

Despite this requirement, the property does not appear in the MTA’s official database of active licensed accommodations. An MTA spokesperson confirmed that no licence had been granted for ‘Number 33 BNB.’ Furthermore, sources within the authority disclosed that while an application for a licence had been submitted, it had not yet been approved. When asked whether enforcement action was being taken against the unlicensed business, the MTA declined to provide a definitive answer.

Conflicting Statements and Legal Defense

Through his lawyer, Arthur Azzopardi, Agius confirmed that he owns the property but denied that it is being operated without a valid licence. “The premises are not a hotel and are duly licensed according to law,” Azzopardi stated.

This claim is contradicted by the MTA’s official confirmation that no licence has been issued for the establishment. Additionally, social media posts and listings on booking platforms indicate that guests have been able to make reservations. To verify the claims, The Shift conducted a test booking through booking.com, successfully securing a two-night stay at the advertised rate of €155.

Despite Azzopardi’s statement denying that operations had begun, the evidence clearly indicates otherwise, exposing discrepancies in the defense put forth by Agius’s legal representative.

Connections to Controversial Government Contracts

Further scrutiny of Agius’s professional background has uncovered troubling links to a high-value government contract awarded by the Gozo Ministry. Specifically, Agius appears to have close connections to Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri, who is facing allegations over a direct contract worth €722,000 issued by the ministry for a major road construction project in Nadur.

Investigations reveal that the recipient of this government contract operates from an office in Nadur that is owned by the mother of Minister Camilleri. This same office was previously used by Camilleri before he transitioned into politics, further fueling suspicions of potential conflicts of interest. Additionally, electoral records indicate that Camilleri is still registered as a resident at the same address now being used by Agius for his professional practice.

When confronted with these findings, Minister Camilleri categorically denied any business relationship with Agius and maintained that the direct order followed all public procurement regulations. Agius, on the other hand, declined to offer any explanation regarding the nature of his involvement in the contract.

Multiple High-Profile Roles and Financial Interests

Beyond his role in the Planning Authority and his involvement in controversial government contracts, Agius holds multiple influential positions in the public sector. His portfolio of roles includes:

• Executive Director at Engineering Resources Ltd. (€120,000 annual salary)
• Member of the Planning Authority’s Executive Council
• Chairman of Interconnect Malta
• Chairman of the Building and Construction Authority’s masons and licensing board
• Senior Manager at the Gozo Regional Development Agency (GRDA)
• Recipient of a €150,000 contract awarded by Minister Miriam Dalli for the redevelopment of il-Pont tas-Shell in Birżebbuġa

These multiple positions, coupled with his involvement in both private and government-linked projects, have raised serious concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the concentration of power among select individuals in Malta’s regulatory and development sectors.

Lack of Enforcement and Selective Regulation

The situation surrounding ‘Number 33 BNB’ reflects a larger issue of regulatory integrity in Malta. While ordinary business owners and private citizens are subject to stringent enforcement when it comes to licensing and compliance, politically connected individuals often appear to operate outside these same legal boundaries.

The reluctance of the MTA to take immediate action against an unlicensed tourism establishment further underscores the perception that regulatory enforcement is applied selectively. Unless decisive measures are taken to hold those in power accountable, public confidence in Malta’s planning and tourism regulatory authorities will continue to erode.

As concerns over corruption and selective regulation grow, calls for greater transparency and enforcement in Malta’s development sector are becoming louder. Unless these issues are addressed, the credibility of the institutions responsible for upholding the law will remain in question.

Conclusion

The case of Number 33 BNB raises serious concerns about regulatory enforcement, conflicts of interest, and selective governance in Malta’s tourism and planning sectors. With a high-ranking Planning Authority executive allegedly operating a business without the required licence, the situation highlights potential loopholes that allow influential figures to bypass regulations that ordinary business owners must strictly adhere to.

Furthermore, the links between Godwin Agius and politically connected figures, including Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri, bring into question the transparency of public procurement processes. Despite clear evidence that the establishment is taking bookings, conflicting statements from Agius’s legal representative and the Malta Tourism Authority’s inaction reinforce the perception of uneven regulatory enforcement.

If Malta is to uphold credibility in its governance and regulatory institutions, authorities must take decisive action to ensure that all individuals—regardless of their political or institutional status—are held accountable. The outcome of this case will serve as a crucial test of Malta’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and the rule of law.

FAQs

What is the controversy surrounding Number 33 BNB?
The luxury B&B in Dingli is allegedly operating without a required licence, despite being owned by a high-ranking Planning Authority official.

Who owns Number 33 BNB?
The property is owned by Katrine and Godwin Agius, with Agius being a member of the Planning Authority’s executive council.

Does Number 33 BNB have an MTA licence?
No, the Malta Tourism Authority confirmed that the establishment does not have a licence, though an application is reportedly under review.

How did the property receive planning approval?
It was initially approved as a residential development, but it was later transformed into a B&B, bypassing standard licensing procedures.

What did the MTA say about the B&B’s legal status?
The MTA confirmed that no licence has been issued but did not clarify if enforcement action would be taken.

What is the connection between Godwin Agius and Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri?
Agius has professional ties to a direct order awarded by the Gozo Ministry, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

What other roles does Godwin Agius hold?
He holds multiple high-ranking government and regulatory positions, including roles in engineering, construction, and regional development agencies.

How much does a stay at Number 33 BNB cost?
A booking inquiry showed a two-night stay priced at €155 on booking.com, despite claims that the business is not operational.

Has Godwin Agius responded to allegations?
Through his lawyer, he denied any wrongdoing and insisted the premises were legally licensed, contradicting MTA statements.

What are the wider implications of this case?
The situation highlights concerns over regulatory integrity, political influence, and selective enforcement in Malta’s tourism and planning sectors.