Are we sailing?

Suddenly we are all going to write on the newspapers to say what is wrong with the cruise liner business and put the blame on somebody else's doorstep. Being quite active in this business, let me just join in then.

The cruise liner business in Malta grew these last years in spite of Malta's weaknesses and because of Malta's inherent strengths. Government policy and anybody's investment had nothing to do with it. We are now seeing this industry shrink and are surprised. We are also looking around to blame each other for it. There are many strengths in Malta's overall product but what has needed addressing since many years has not been addressed and is still not being addressed.

The MTA, Viset and MIA have now set up a committee to address issues and create a single coordinating body. I have been privileged enough to be invited to contribute to this committee and will do my best. However, what the island seriously needs is not another committee.

We need individuals in various posts to concentrate on their part and deliver. We, ship agents and shore excursions providers, think we do. Competition is so fierce between us that if we don't we are replaced. Why have government delegations of over five people each year attended the sea trade conference in Miami these last 10 years but none have picked up years ago that Malta's cruise industry will suffer when Malta joins Europe? I am and have always been in favour of Malta joining Europe but I would also wish for the negative impacts to be addressed rather than ignored.

Why are the ministries of transport and tourism non-existent when taxi drivers illegally block the gates of the cruise terminal in full view of a ship's passengers and crew? Why is a police force of over 30 individuals completely ineffective in ensuring order and then, on the arrival of one individual policeman with the right qualities, all is solved?

I, as the agent and excursion provider of that particular ship, did write to both ministries of transport and tourism to receive some clarifications on issues within their responsibilities and to date have only received the comfort of an acknowledgement letter.

Why would the relevant authority ask an agent to move a cruise ship from a cruise ship quay because a minister is expected to open a book exhibition on board a library ship that same afternoon? I do not think the library ship industry is as important for Malta as the cruise liner business.

Why is a cruise ship delayed in departing Malta on an itinerary which has been planned and published in a brochure 18 months in advance because the parastatal fuel supply company fails to deliver fuel as promised? Why does a cruise ship in Malta Drydocks get broken into and rampant pilferage takes place? Why does a cruise ship have to delay its departure from Malta due to a pilot strike which is caused by the fact that after months of talks between pilots and authorities no solution is found?

Malta lacks basic discipline and professionalism across the board and ships, unlike captive local customers, can just sail by and wave to a little island on the horizon.