The connectivity and transport system of a country also portrays the potential of its growth and development. Facilitating the accessibility between countries and within a country itself makes it easier for people to reach their desired destination.

Moving from one place to another is not only important for leisure purposes but also far more importantly, generates economic activity. Being by air, sea or land, the more accessible the country, more prosperity is generated.

Since its early days, the Nationalist Party spoke about the importance of our country being easily accessible so that wealth is generated. With accession to the European Union, accessibility is as important as ever.

By air

With the introduction of the low-cost airlines, accessibility via the skies has grown. Routes that previously were not reached now are bringing to our country thousands of visitors each year.

This also means that Maltese people have a vaster choice of selection both on prices but more importantly, on destinations. A very important element not only to discover new cultures but more importantly, it makes it easier for local entrepreneurs to access new markets.

Another important part of air connectivity is the new seaplane service that runs between Malta and Gozo. This is very well-received news since it increases the link between the two islands.

Another seaplane service will start operating between Sicily and Malta. The service will connect Malta with Enna, Palermo, Syracuse, the Aeolian Islands and Tunisia. This will offer a better selection to choose from to reach our islands.

By sea

The number of visitors opting to reach our country by sea is always on the increase. The number of tourists choosing cruises for their holidays is enhancing Malta’s potential in the industry.

Thanks to our geographical position, we stand in a region that is full of culture and history. This in itself makes the Mediterranean an attraction.

Malta is also an important route for cargo ships and ship registry. European Commissioner Jaques Barrot himself described the Maltese shipping flag as a reputable one and that the European Union must learn from our experience in the field.

Our country has the potential to become a maritime centre of excellence in the Mediterranean region connecting the southern shores of the basin with the northern ones.

The Nationalist Party gave the deserved importance to projects such as the Malta Freeport and the cruise liner terminal – two projects that are assisting in our country’s economic advancement.

By land

Following the investment made to revive the public transport system, the Maltese government is working on various projects that are assisting inland connectivity.

Nowadays our country has roads of international standards, which provide a better quality of life. This is also thanks to the important decision taken by the Maltese people when they chose to become members of the European Union.

Thanks to the European Union’s budget for Malta for the period 2004-2006, we received funding that has been invested in various road works all over the archipelago.

The completion of arterial roads such as the Hal-Far road, Civil Aviation Avenue in Luqa, the St Paul’s Bay bypass, the work being carried out on Manwel Dimech Bridge and the Ghajnsielem road in Gozo are among the projects that have been financed by these funds.

The costs for these projects amount to approximately EUR22 million, which was only possible with the funding for improving the TEN-T Road Network, the European Union transport system.

Another 468 residential roads in 47 localities around Malta will be completed by next year. This work commenced in August 2006 and an investment of more than EUR20 million will be made.

During this legislature, 847 roads will be completed. These may be divided in 379 that were completed between 2003 and August 2006 while the other 468 between August 2006 and the end of next year.

Another planned project that will increase connectivity is the trackless trains. The innovative service will operate in the St Paul’s Bay area and the Rabat area.

The service, which will mainly target tourists, will provide an alternative transport facility for sightseeing.

The Maltese government recognises the high importance of connectivity for our islands. Providing various transport services both to access our country and to go around while on the island is very important.

Connectivity generates a positive experience for both Maltese and visitors alike. Thanks to the funding of the European Union, we can finally say goodbye to the pothole-ridden roads that we were used too.

This is the result of becoming EU members, living a better quality of life even thanks to better facilities for the benefit of the whole population without any form of discrimination.

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