A coach service linking Malta with the west coast of Sicily has been launched, prompting Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech to say that “our closest neighbour has just got closer”.

According to the Department of Information the service will operate five times a week, departing from Palermo with pick-up points in Caltanisetta, Enna, Catania and Pozzallo. The drop-off and pick-up point in Malta is near the Sea Passenger Terminal at the Valletta Waterfront.

Dr Zammit Dimech augured that the service would continue to strengthen the strong cultural and commercial ties between Malta and Sicily. He said that the geographical proximity of the two islands, the common Mediterranean characteristics of their inhabitants and the fact that most Maltese can communicate in Italian make Malta an ideal venue for short break holidays.

“Of course these facts on their own are not enough. One needs an efficient and reliable connection. Malta and Sicily are already well served by Air Malta and Virtù Ferries. The Levriero Lines service will be adding a new dimension to this connection,” added the minister.

Dott. Filippo Cangemi, Assessore Trasporti e Viabilità Provincia; Dott. Filippo Rubino, Segretario Commissione Attività Produttive and Dott. Antonio D’Amico, Commissione Attività Produttive were present for the inauguration.