The decision not to allow an open-topped bus to drive through the Cruise Passenger Terminal does not depend on VISET, Business Development Executive Joshua Giordimaina told this newspaper.

“On the contrary, VISET does want this bus to include both Valletta and the port in its route,” Mr Giordimaina added. “Improved transportation is one, in VISET’s opinion, of the top five challenges the cruise industry’s long-term sustainability faces. Efficient and affordable transportation serving the Cruise Passenger Terminal, and the Port of Valletta and surrounding areas, is of paramount importance, and goes a long way towards ensuring a memorable experience for cruise passengers.

“VISET believes that more modes of transport not only offer more choice to cruise passengers, hence fitting in with the latter’s preferences and spending powers, but also is a driver of better service and more customer-centricity through the promotion of competition. In fact, VISET not only supports such initiatives, but also actively promotes the development of new products and services for the benefit of cruise passengers.

“The satisfaction of cruise passengers is of paramount importance. A positive experience not only ensures the long-term sustainability of the cruise industry and its stakeholders, but also having these passengers recommend Malta to their family and friends as a great destination for a longer holiday.”

Mr Giordimaina also said MEPA has not turned down VISET’s application regarding the development of the car park. The MEPA Board has actually recommended the MEPA Directorate’s decision for refusal. The MEPA Board has unanimously voted to consider VISET’s application for the car park, should this same car park be required for operational reasons.

Consequently, VISET is conducting the necessary studies at the moment so that MEPA has an analysis of the full situation in terms of operational and logistical requirements, and be able to appreciate that the growing success of the cruise industry in Malta means a higher volume of vehicles and traffic, which makes the necessity of having a car park ever more important.