A Malta short-let operator says he received four booking cancellations in just two days following the announcement of the new €10 tourist eco-tax, warning that the measure could drive families away.Speaking to Lovin Malta, André Grech, who rents out properties to tourists, described the sudden cancellations as highly unusual.During Monday’s Budget 2027 speech, the government announced that the tourist eco-contribution would increase from €1.50 to €10 per person, per night. Grech initially raised concerns on Instagram, revealing that four bookings had been cancelled within 48 hours of the announcement.He explained that some were bookings carried over from an earlier period, while others involved families planning holidays during Malta’s quieter shoulder months.“These were not groups of youths coming to party in summer. These were families, visiting Malta in shoulder months, the very visitors we say we want to attract,” he wrote.Grech told Lovin Malta that receiving so many cancellations in such a short period was far from normal for his business. He also highlighted the potential cost for visitors, noting that four adults staying for seven nights would face €280 in eco-tax alone, excluding flights, accommodation and other expenses.“When a family cancels, the loss goes beyond the accommodation provider. Other local businesses lose that spending too,” he warned.Speaking to Lovin Malta, Grech questioned whether tourism operators had been consulted before the decision.“I think that the government did it without consulting anyone,” he said, adding that he knew of no operators in his network who had been approached. Instead, he suggested a seasonal approach, with lower charges during quieter months and higher rates during summer.He ended his Instagram post with a pointed warning:“Mr. Minister, if the intention was to kill the goose that was laying the golden eggs, then I fear you are succeeding.”The direct cause of the cancellations has not been independently confirmed.Do you think the €10 tourist eco-tax will discourage families from visiting Malta?•