VISET awarded three international commendations

The Valletta Cruise terminal, which is part of VISET's Valletta Waterfront project, has recently been awarded three international commendations by the highly respected Dream World Cruise Destinations magazine.

These awards are a result of a survey conducted among cruise liner management, ship captains and passengers both those going ashore independently and those on an organised tour.

The Dream World Cruise Destinations magazine, published by Contract Communications, is a high profile magazine aimed at the cruise industry. It includes articles by industry leaders such as the CEOs of Carnival, Princess Cruises, Costa Crociere, and Holland America Line.

The Valletta Waterfront project aims to regenerate a vast section of the Grand Harbour along the Valletta side. With its fantastic buildings in the foreground and the historical bastions, the Valletta Waterfront will be creating a setting which few ports in the world can match.

VISET plc was awarded a commendation for the Most Responsive Port. It demonstrated an effective co-operation and partnership with public and private organisations, enabling it to reach and find solutions to the demands of the industry and the many challenges of investing in future growth.

The winners in this category were Jamaica and Jacksonville, Florida, while other commendations were awarded to Civitavecchia (Rome), Bari and Lisbon, among others.

The Most Improved Terminal Facilities award recognises the terminal building that has the most improved facilities as a result of refurbishment. It also looks for the introduction of new technology, or improvement to security, communications, or services to passenger.

The winners of this award were Amsterdam, Southampton and Honolulu. The Valletta Cruise terminal was awarded the first commendation in this category. Other commendations were awarded to Marseille, Cozumel (Mexico) and Halifax (Canada).

The third commendation for VISET plc was awarded in the Best Experience for Independent Sight-seeing category. This award recognises the quality of the experience which derives from passengers making their own arrangements for their time ashore.

The winners in this category are Funchal and Madeira (Portugal), Hong Kong, Phuket (Malaysia), Istanbul, Venice and Trinidad. Other commendations in this category were awarded to Lisbon, Barcelona, St Maarten, Bangkok, Acapulco and Juneau (Alaska).

The multi-million Valletta Waterfront project is scheduled for completion by next year. VISET's chairman Joe C. Grioli, said: "These commendations have placed us ahead of other more established ports worldwide. From 2005 on-wards, cruise liner tourists will have the opportunity to enjoy what is probably the most beautiful and historical port in the world. We, at VISET, are determined to make this dream a reality in a few months' time."