Costa Crociere, which forms part of the world's leading cruise lines, is to launch its Costa Magica on November 3 with an inaugural itinerary for 2005 that includes Malta as a regular port of call for 31 Mediterranean cruises.

SMS, the local agent for Costa Crociere, has taken an allocation of cabins on the Costa Magica which are being marketed both for local residents as well as for tourists. During 2005 Costa Crociere will have an additional 22 cruise calls with tourists calling at Malta 53 times.

The Minister for Tourism and Culture, Francis Zammit Dimech yesterday launched the Cruise and Stay operation by Costa Crociere for 2005.

"Cruise holidays are on the increase worldwide and Malta is on the itinerary of most cruise liner companies that cruise the Mediterranean. The Cruise Liner Passenger Terminal project, which is due for completion, contributed to a number of cruise liner companies to include Malta in their cruises," Dr Zammit Dimech said, adding that "the Cruise and Stay concept is an added value to what Malta has to offer in the cruise liner segment".

Dr Zammit Dimech said the government would continue to do its utmost to build the necessary infrastructure for cruise liners.

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