Executive Cruises, a joint venture between SMS Group and the Mondial Group, has recently been appointed sole sales agent for Malta for the two major cruise lines – Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises.

Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech, who was present for the launch of the venture yesterday evening, said the expansion of the cruise industry in Europe is reflected in the fact that the number of cruise passengers coming to Malta has increased every year.

He said 320,104 cruise liner tourists visited Malta in 2005, a 9.7 increase over 2004.

“In the last 10 years the increase in cruise liner passengers was nearly fivefold – from 69,240 in 1996 to 320,104 last year,” continued the minister.

“The MTA is committed to segment driven marketing and the cruise industry, especially the cruise and stay sector, forms part of the other growth markets segment which should achieve set targets,” said Dr Zammit Dimech.

Now that the Valletta Waterfront is in operation, he said, cruise passengers are getting the first positive impression of our country.

Dr Zammit Dimech noted that Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line are two of the major cruise lines in the world.

“Celebrity Cruises, with 10 ships, has one of the youngest and most innovative fleets of any major line while the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, with 20 ships, enjoys one of the highest repeat passenger percentages in the cruise liner market segment,” he said.

Minister Francis Zammit Dimech said that one of the Royal Caribbean’s largest ships will be visiting Malta regularly during the coming season.