HSBC Bank Malta plc is sponsoring Tre Re Notte Magica, the music and trade fusion celebration being organised for the first time this year. Intended to be a night of bargain shopping and free Maltese and international entertainment for the public in Valletta, Notte Magica will be held on Saturday between 6pm and 2am.

Presenting the sponsorship cheque to Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech, HSBC chief operating officer Sally Robson said: “HSBC is giving our cardholders who shop and pay with their cards during the whole month of January 2007, the chance to win some truly fantastic prizes. In fact, each time customers spend Lm10 or more and pay using their HSBC Quickcash or HSBC Credit Cards, they will qualify to take part in the Grand Cardmania Competition.”

At the end of January, 10 customers will automatically be selected to take part in the final, where they will compete against each other for the prizes. The winner will take home a Samsung 40” LCD TV complete with a wireless surround system. The customer in second place will win a Samsung side-by-side fridge, while third prize winner will receive a Samsung 32” LCD TV. Customers in fourth and fifth place will each receive a Samsung EGO camcorder. and the remaining five customers will each win a Samsung SGH x650 mobile phone.

“More and more customers are realising the convenience of using an HSBC debit or credit card for all their shopping requirements. It is as simple as using cash, but without the risk of carrying large amounts of money, especially during this period when shopping is at its peak,” said Mrs Robson.

Dr Zammit Dimech thanked HSBC for their donation which, he said, is bound to attract more people to Valletta for Notte Magica.

“During the past few years, my ministry, together with other entities, has been busy organising activities aimed at making Valletta more popular at night with the Maltese and tourists alike,” said Dr Zammit Dimech.

He said a post evaluation exercise conducted by the Research and Business Planning Unit of the Malta Tourism Authority established that during Notte Bianca, about 76,000 people visited the capital city and spent approximately Lm824,600. He said he was confident that the outlets that had remained closed that night will be open on Saturday.

In collaboration with Valletta local council and the Valletta Alive Foundation, Notte Magica is being organised by the Tourism and Culture Ministry through NnG Promotions.