STAR performers in the tourism industry have been rewarded for their diligence in a consumer-driven scheme operated by the Malta Tourism Authority to give public recognition to those who work in the industry.
Malta Tourism Authority chief executive officer David Mifsud told the STAR 2006 award ceremony on Wednesday night that the initiative gave the tourist the opportunity to tell them what was good, and they as an authority acted on this judgement, and awarded those people who deserved it. STAR is the Special Thanks and Recognition scheme.
Thirteen people were awarded this year, the result of over 3,600 nominations from tourists (each STAR performer obtained the highest amount of valid nominations in their respective category).
The STAR performers each received a certificate, an 18ct gold lapel-pin and Lm500 cash prize. The nominees received a certificate.
Service categories and respective STAR performers:
• Boatmen Category – Jimmy Busuttil, Captain Morgan.
• Bus Drivers Category – Paul Farrugia.
• Coach and Mini-Bus Drivers Category – Robin Stevens, Zarb Coaches.
• Heritage Sites, Museums & Places and Interest Category – Carol Galea, Classic Car Museum.
• Horse-Drawn Cab Drivers Category – Alfred Chircop.
• Hotels Category (Food and Beverage) Rita Buttigieg, Cavalieri.
• Hotels Category (Front Office and Housekeeping) – Pauline Paris, 115 The Strand.
• Restaurants Category – Antonio Pané, Sottovoce.
• Shop Assistants / Owners Category – Sylvia Grech, Mgarr Tourist Services.
• Sports Instructors Category – Martin Hall, Paradise Bay Diving Centre.
• Taxis & Chauffeur Driven Vehicles Category – Michael Camilleri, Belmont Garage.
• Tourist Guides Category – Maria Pia Cumbo.
• Travel Representatives Category – Joseph Feró, SMS Travel and Tourism.
As an incentive for tourists to participate, there was a prize consisting of complimentary flights (courtesy of Air Malta) and accommodation for two persons. The lucky tourists this year are from the UK and they will be coming over towards the end of April.
Through the STAR scheme the MTA also awarded good quality tourism products. Five awards were given in total and these were selected by the adjudicating panel which was made up of people from various related entities. The prize for the first four awards was a certificate, a wooden plaque and Lm500. The local council responsible for the most attractive village / town square received Lm1,000.
Product categories and respective STAR performers:
• Best Festa Stall – Beehive.
• Best Fixed Kiosk (non-catering) – La Gelateria Tanti, Mdina.
• Best Tourist Shop – Roman Villa Centre.
• Best Well Kept Public Convenience – Howard Gardens, Mdina.
• Most Attractive Village / Town Square – Pjazza San Gwann Battista, Xewkija.
The STAR Scheme 2007 has already begun. Tourists may nominate anyone working in the tourism or related industries. Nomination forms are available at various points including hotels, restaurants, the airport, taxis, coaches and many others. This year people visiting Malta will soon be able to nominate a front liner on the MTA’s new site
www.visitmalta.com.
For further information contact the Quality Assurance Unit on 2291-5272 or [email protected]