Valletta has been ranked as the seventh most visited port in Europe according to the latest statistics.

Addressing senior executives from Europe’s leading cruise line companies, shipyards and ports, at a reception, MEP Simon Busuttil expressed satisfaction at these statistics.

The cruise industry has now established itself as a major industry, he said, adding that “as a Member of the European Parliament from Malta, I can see this for myself.”

Dr Busuttil stated that the European cruise industry has made remarkable strides ahead in recent years. However, at times, European policies and laws did not help the industry.

“We need to work steadily so that the European cruise industry can assert its importance with European policy-makers and so that its concerns are taken adequately into account,” he said.

The cruise industry was a growing industry, with three million passengers embarking from European ports, and employing around 190,000 individuals. The industry also has an annual contribution of more that E8 billion in direct spending.

Last week’s reception, hosted by Dr Busuttil, inaugurated the first European Cruise Industry Conference in Brussels.

Speaking during the same conference, Malta Cruise Network (MCN) chairman Chris Paris called for cruise ports to collaborate in a spirit of “competitive cooperation” in planning responses to a host of issues likely to have serious impact on the industry within the decade. A main concern is that of accommodating the next generation of super cruise liners, whose presence would have immense implications for hinterland economies, the environment and land-based tourism sites.

Mr Paris said that the Malta Cruise Network was a rare example within the European cruise industry of the type of collaboration that would be needed. MCN was set up in late 2004 as an independent body to act as the focal point for local stakeholders and as a coordinating voice in the delivery of a quality product and service to the cruise line sector. Its remit is to define, develop, deliver and promote a sustainable cruise industry for Malta.

MCN’s initial work focused on getting recognition of the size, economic value and impact of the cruise industry in Malta. It has been active also in addressing the overall experience of Malta as a cruise destination by ensuring that cruise liner and passengers’ particular needs are catered for by onshore service providers.

Malta Cruise Network was a sponsor of the one-day Brussels conference.