OCT/NOV 2009issue #023

The Hon. Mario de Marco, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, addresses News Conference organised by Costa Crociere to announce schedule details for 2010©DOI - Clodagh Farrugia O’Neill

Cruiseline to commence home-porting of ship in Malta

Costa Cruises announced at the beginning of November that their ship – the Costa Pacifica – will be increasing their calls at the Grand Harbour from 24 times this year to 37 times next year. The Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, the Hon. Mario de Marco said that this is a positive sign that shows the confidence in Valletta as a port of call. As a result, the number of passengers brought over by Costa to Malta is expected to increase from the 50,000 of this year to an estimated 70,000 next year.

The Hon. de Marco was addressing a Costa Cruises Press Conference on board the Costa Pacifica berthed at the Grand Harbour, regarding their schedule for 2010.

Dr. De Marco also referred to the added news that next July, Costa will be using Malta as a home-port for the Costa Allegra cruises with an Eastern Mediterranean itinerary, which will start and end in Malta. This decision confirms the trust gained most of all through the efforts and commitment of the local agent Cruises International, that a cruiseline like Costa, a major European player in this field, has in Malta and the facilities available at the Grand Harbour.

He highlighted the various benefits of home-porting cruiseliners as foreigners embarking on these trips not only come to Malta by air to start off their cruise, but it has become a trend for these travellers to spend a day or two before or after at the destination where they embark or disembark the cruise.

Dr de Marco added that the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) together with other stakeholders, has been advertising the Cruise & Stay concept for Malta in various countries and regions, including Russia, Gulf & Middle East, Cyprus, Hungary, UK, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Benelux.

He also mentioned the various developments in this sector which were achieved this year, particularly in Gozo where six cruiseliners made a call on the sister island thus confirming that Gozo is indeed a separate destination. These calls are expected to continue next year.

In so far as government investment in this sector is concerned, Dr de Marco referred to the cruiseliner berthing buoy in Xlendi for which the tender was recently re-issued and is now at the adjudication stage at the Department of Contracts.

He also referred to the berthing facilities inaugurated at Boiler Wharf in Senglea, on the other side of Grand Harbour, which is now being used as a spill-over quay for VISET when Valletta Waterfront is full. This was in evidence last week when seven cruiseliners berthed at the Grand Harbour on the same day.

Dr de Marco highlighted the importance of the role of the private sector, in particular the recent €2 million investment by VISET to extend its primary quay as well as excavation and dredging works on the seabed to increase the quay available for cruiseliner berthing.

He concluded by saying that notwithstanding the challenging times the international Cruise sector has been facing over the past months, there is a renewed optimism that 2010 could be the year where a recovery is possible and that this recovery would also have a positive effect on Malta as a cruise destination.

This issue is available at: 0910.