Representatives of Malta’s cruise line services and destination management companies received significant interest from the overseas industry at the annual Seatrade Miami Convention last month.

Seatrade is a leading publisher, event organiser and voice in the international maritime community and its annual Miami convention is acknowledged as one of the industry’s most influential gatherings.

Malta Cruise Network (MCN) organised local representation at Miami for the third year running.

MCN coordinator Ben Stuart said that although MCN was a relative newcomer at the convention, there was a marked increase in awareness of what Malta had to offer. “Key industry figures are far more informed now about the cruise-port and home-port potential of Malta,” he said.

Mr Stuart noted that the MCN model – that of an independent body acting as a focal point for all local cruise industry stakeholders – was a rarity worldwide.

Of some 44 similar organisations represented at Miami, MCN was the only one with a stated commitment to improving the local cruise product.

“MCN’s remit to engage both public and private sector entities gives it an edge. We have obviously hit on a model that works, as it was suggested that we assist Gibraltar in resolving some of its local, port-side issues. MCN is being recognised by the international industry as a plus for Malta in its bid to attract more cruise line business,” Mr Stuart added.

The Malta Cruise Network carries out a range of tasks on behalf of the local cruise industry, including information services to cruise passengers, coordinating the local cruise product, promoting the Malta product overseas and liaising with governmental and EU entities.

MCN initiated the collection of data on cruise shipping and passenger activity, which provides, for the first time, comprehensive inform-ation on the value of the cruise industry to the Islands.

“Malta is gaining a positive reputation in the industry and we are establishing ourselves well in the competitive world of the cruising.

“I feel that MCN’s unique role is imperative to all our goals,” said MCN chairman Chris Paris.