The Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism in the Office of the Prime Minister, Dr Mario de Marco, has announced that the tender for the Xlendi berthing buoy has just been issued by the Malta Maritime Authority, and once this is in place, Gozo can be actively promoted as an independent port of call.

He also advised that both government and the private sector are working hard to continue with the promotion of Malta, not only as one of the principal ports of call in the Mediterranean, but also as a Cruise and Stay destination, thus enhancing the value added which this type of travelling can have on our tourism industry.

Dr de Marco, said that the record number of cruise passengers visiting Malta in 2008 (555,840) – representing an increase of almost 14 per cent on 2007 (67,670 more passengers)- is an important landmark achieved with the hard work of all stakeholders concerned. This augurs well for 2009, notwithstanding the difficulties and challenges being faced by the tourism sector the world over.

Dr de Marco added that international experts in the cruiseliner business are cautiously optimistic that, notwithstanding the current world economic scenario, cruising can still see growth in 2009, as it represents a very good ‘value for money’ holiday.

He also referred to the Destination of the Year award for 2008 which Malta and the MTA won at the Sea Trade Insider Cruise Awards, as being further encouragement that Malta as a cruiseliner destination is heading in the right direction.

Dr de Marco concluded by saying that the visitor figures achieved in 2008 vindicate the investment and commitment by the private sector and government in this area over the past years.