Cottonera's tourism potential showcased

Representatives of local tourist handling agents were yesterday taken on a special tour of the Cottonera area as part of a Malta Tourism Authority initiative to raise awareness of the business potential of these localities for the tourism trade.

"It is very important for the local travel and tourism trade to be consistently aware of product improvements and developments as well as new packaging alternatives," MTA chairman Chris Grech said. "The MTA must lead the process of facilitating improved business opportunities for all."

During the tour, the MTA presented a number of the unique attractions that can make a visit to this part of the islands unique and memorable. The tour also gave handling agents the opportunity of evaluating the excellent business potential of the area, particularly the benefits which can accrue from the inclusion of the Cottonera on their clients' holiday itinerary.

The Minister for Tourism and Culture, Francis Zammit Dimech addressed the agents at the start of the tour. The MTA and local councils' officials were available throughout the event to elaborate on current and future product improvements related to the area.

The MTA said in a statement it wished to clarify that the invitation extended to Dr Zammit Dimech, as minister responsible for the tourism industry, followed established practice whereby government ministers were invited to attend events and the launch of initiatives by public agencies such as the MTA.

The presence of the relevant minister at such events was considered to be an added measure of support to the initiative being undertaken, especially when such initiatives depended on government-allocated resources for their success, the MTA said.

Last week the Cottonera Joint Committee, which consists of mayors of Cottonera local councils and representatives of Malta Labour Party committees in the area, had criticised the minister's presence on the planned tour as turning a commercial activity into a political one.