The Suncrest Hotel in Qawra, part of AX Holdings, is this year celebrating its 20th anniversary. This special occasion follows the completion of a e1.2 million refurbishment programme and fittingly, the annual Trade Party, held at the Sun & Surf Lido, was turned into a big celebration with a lavish buffet.

President Edward Fenech Adami and his wife together with a number of distinguished guests attended this celebration together with local tour operator representatives and other representatives of the industry. An estimated 500 guests were present.

President Fenech Adami addressed those gathered and remembered Mr Angelo Xuereb as a courageous entrepreneur in tourism even during his legislation.

In his speech Mr Angelo Xuereb, Chairman, AX Group, recalled his venture into tourism 20 years ago and traced its course till the present day. He spoke of today’s challenges in the sector and also how the standards adopted by the Suncrest became a benchmark for the industry.

Speeches were also made by the newly appointed hotel general manager, Mario Debattista and the Suncrest Hotel’s sales and marketing manager, Ludgarda Schembri.

Celebrating its 20th year of operation, the Suncrest Hotel, situated in a strategic location in one of the most picturesque bays in Malta, has today become a landmark 4-star hotel. When it was inaugurated in June 1988, the hotel was a much needed investment by AX Holdings in the tourist industry. This popularity has been retained over the years and the hotel still enjoys a high percentage of repeat customers from the Benelux, Germany and UK markets.

Last year the hotel completed a major refurbishment programme.

The project, aimed at providing an innovative and quality-conscious service, consisted mainly of the upgrading of the technical plant, the guest rooms and the public areas together with the restaurants, kitchens and service areas.

The conference facilities were also upgraded and now include parquet flooring as well as new sound and visual system.