Malta’s profile as a growing destination for cruise liners is set to receive a major boost over the coming weeks at one of the industry’s largest annual get-togethers.
The Seatrade Med Cruise and Ferry Conference is being held in Naples between 18 and 20 October. It brings together the leading players in what is rapidly becoming the fastest growing sector of the international tourism industry.
Malta’s representation at the conference is being organised by the Malta Cruise Network (MCN), the organisation specifically set up to help promote and push the island’s role as destination for cruise passengers.
In its efforts to promote Malta, the MCN has taken a stand in the main exhibition hall from which Maltese companies involved in the cruise sector can promote their services and hold meetings with international representatives.
“It is our aim to make it as easy as possible for all the companies in Malta working in this sector to meet with the decision makers in the international cruise industry,” said coordinator of MCN, Mr Ben Stuart.
MCN has also taken a leading role in the European Cruise Fair, a highly specialised event which is held concurrently with the main conference.
The fair brings together cruise lines and travel agents for two days of discussions and training. Over 200 specialised travel agencies from all over Europe will be exposed to Malta as cruise destination.
“This is one way in which we can effectively increase awareness of what Malta has to offer. The MTA will also have a display stand in this event,” Mr Stuart said.
MCN’s involvement in this fair has been heightened by becoming one of the main sponsors of the event, a move aimed at giving Malta even more exposure amongst the key players in the sector.
As part of the sponsorship agreement, certificates to those participating in the European Cruise Fair will be handed out at the Malta stand in the main Seatrade Med conference area.
Cruise passenger traffic passing through Malta has been dramatically increasing over the past few years and the growth is set to continue over the coming years.
In 2005 there were a total of 313,611 arrivals in Malta which was 16.27 per cent up on the year before. In the first seven months of this year, arrivals were up by 22,804 on last.
Malta also served as a successful homeport to Star Cruises this year and they have confirmed their operation for 2007.
Malta has put together a package to expand homeport activities from the Grand Harbour and is persuing specific lines to attract cruise lines.
“MCN’s main objectives are to define, develop, deliver and promote Malta as a cruise tourist destination and homeport,” Mr Stuart said.
“Cruise passenger tourism is a growth industry and Malta stands to gain significantly if it is handled in the correct manner. MCN will continue to do everything it can to develop the Grand Harbour as a cruise destination and as a homeport in the Mediterranean.”