Transport service providers told how to help tourists

Over 364 transport service providers participated in the Merhba training programme organised by the Malta Tourism Authority in collaboration with the Malta Transport Authority (ADT).

The participants included 137 taxi drivers, 96 bus drivers, 47 ADT dispatchers, 48 coach drivers, 18 car hire operators and 18 horse drawn cab (karrozzini) drivers, the MTA's chief executive officer, David Mifsud, said during a certificate presentation ceremony held at the ADT's offices in Pietà.

During the 32 Merhba training programmes, the participants were given information on how to improve communication with tourists and provide them with helpful information about Malta.

Participants were also taken on guided tours to various historical locations in Valletta to explain the historical significance of these locations.

The Merhba training programme was one of the five main activities forming part of the Tourism And Support Services Training Programme (TSSTP). The TSSTP was co-financed by the EU from the 2004/2006 Structural Funds and the government of Malta and by the time it is complete at the end of September 2007 over 800 people would have been trained.

The programmes cover all the sectors where there is contact between the host and the tourist and are provided free of charge to all participants.