In a statement, the association said taxi drivers must realise that it is not only they who have families, but also the Valletta shop owners together with their respective employees, as well as the rest of the country that so heavily depends on the tourism industry. They also need to understand the importance of their behaviour towards these tourists.

The cruise liner industry has grown spectacularly during the last few years and Valletta is developing into the main shopping destination in the Mediterranean, said the statement. The city, with all that it can offer, was becoming a showcase for the whole country, serving as the best advertisement to the cruise ship tourist who would like to visit the island for a longer holiday.

The statement said that unfortunately these visits are being disrupted for many reasons, but mainly because of the inaccessibility of the city from the cruise liner terminal. While the taxi service is required, it is by no means sufficient to handle the transport demand created by the huge cruise liners that visit Malta.

Therefore the shuttle service is very badly needed, not only to serve these tourists as an alternative means of transport, but also to bring Malta in line with other neighbouring ports.

The association appealed to the competent authorities to help reinstate the service as soon as possible.