I refer to the report titled 12% increase expected in cruise passenger numbers (TMID, 18 December), specifically the part which states that “this year was particularly significant for the cruise lining industry in Malta, as 500,000 passengers had visited the country on a cruise liner by the end of last month. Next year, said Dr de Marco, the number of cruise passengers visiting the country is expected to increase by about 40,000.”

Allow me to clarify that while addressing the media to announce that Malta and the Malta Tourism Authority had won the ‘Destination of the Year’ Award at the SeaTrade Insider Cruise awards, the Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism in the Office of the Prime Minister, Dr Mario de Marco stated that the target record of half a million cruise passengers visiting Malta, was reached in November, and that we are looking at ending this year reaching an all-time record of 540,000 passengers, and not next year as erroneously reported.

Reuben Sciberras

Communications Coordinator

Parliamentary Secretariat for Tourism

Office of the Prime Minister