The extensive refurbishment programme undertaken by the management of the Ramla Bay Resort in Armier, which saw an investment of around Lm2.5 million, is expected to be completed by the end of this month.

Apart from the construction of an extra floor, which saw the number of rooms increase from 118 to 190, the refurbishment also includes the upgrading of practically all the public areas of the hotel. The refurbishment programme, which began in November, also included the construction of a new, larger swimming pool to enhance the facilities of the resort, which also has its own private beach.

Touring the work under way at the hotel, Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech praised the owners for their courage and foresight and for investing more to improve the tourism product offered in Malta. He said the investment was part of the Lm39 million worth of projects currently being carried out in Malta in the tourism industry.

Moreover, he said, the Hotel Riu Seabank is planning to invest a further Lm15 million for the creation of a water theme park and also some other bungalows to change the hotel in a tourist village.

Dr Zammit Dimech also spoke about the Malta Tourism Authority and about the more than Lm5 million spent on marketing in 2004. In addition to this, the authority saved Lm342,000 in administration expenses.

The extended Ramla Bay Resort hotel will now have 190 larger than average rooms, offering facilities and luxury expected in a four-star hotel.

Most of the rooms have sea views and a terrace overlooking the bay or the countryside, with views of Gozo and Comino from many of the rooms.

The rooms are decorated in cool Mediterranean colours and are equipped with direct dial telephone, a safe, hairdryer, satellite TV and radio and mini-bar.

Dr Zammit Dimech also visited the Riu Seabank Hotel and various bars and restaurants in the Bugibba area.