In a statement, VISET said that one of the rumours is that the number of cruise passengers will continue to fall, even during next year. VISET’s Chief Executive Officer Chris Falzon said: “According to our bookings, there are clear and positive indications that the number of cruise passengers will pick up next year, partly because cruise passengers will be visiting Malta all year round, instead of only in or around the summer months. VISET is, in fact, envisaging that next year it will reach 2003 levels, when we had 380,676 passengers.”

Another incorrect rumour is that VISET is planning to raise the tariff paid by visiting tourists from Lm2 to Lm3,in order to increase its revenue. Mr Falzon said that there are no plans whatsoever to increase tariffs.

A third rumour is that VISET wants to compete directly with central Valletta shops. In fact the truth is the opposite of this. “At VISET, it is our belief that shops in Valletta should ideally remain open during afternoons and, if possible, extend their opening hours as well. We want tourists to visit a lively not a dead city. A lively Valletta will definitely increase the chances of a visitor wanting to come back to Malta for a longer stay. And as a result, everyone would benefit from this cycle.

“The above rumours are completely unfounded. In the last few months, as the cruise terminal project has gathered momentum, we at Valletta Waterfront have increasingly endeavoured to keep the Maltese public constantly informed of developments.

“The project’s aim is not only to be financially viable, but also to contribute its share to attracting tourists to Malta, for the benefit of everyone”, Mr Falzon concluded.