The Malta Tourism Authority gave recognition t a number of tourism sector workers who distinguished themselves during 2013, including Annie Galea, the 81-year-old owner of Asti guesthouse, in Valletta.

Other individuals given recognition by the authority included the director of revenue management at Hotel Westin Dragonara who was awarded ‘Hotel Worker of the Year’, Joseph Vella, a barman at Seashells Resort at Suncrest, Abba Azzopardi, a receptionist at Maria Giovanna Hostel, Novelty shop owner Chandru Mohnani, diving instructors Mick Burbeary and Mark Furnival and  Joan Gaffiero, a tourist guide.

During the STAR awards ceremony, Tourism Minister Karmenu Vella emphasised on the importance tourists are given a quality service while visiting our islands.

Mr Vella quoted official statistics which show that last year, 32% of tourists that arrived here were repeat visitors, while pointing out that this confirms that tourists were given a good service for them to have returned to our islands.