Seabed clean-up at Qawra

Alternattiva Demokratika reiterated its commitment to boost tourism by working for a greater protection of Malta's historical and natural heritage following an underwater clean-up in Qawra yesterday.

The clean-up, which was organised by AD and Diveshack, saw 25 divers clean the seabed along the Qawra coastline and dispose of the rubbish in skips and bins provided by the St Paul's Bay council.

AD chairman Arnold Cassola said that around 60,000 tourists visit Malta and Gozo for diving holidays each year, meaning it is important to ensure that the sea is fit for recreational use and its biodiversity is a priority policy area.

Activity organiser and AD spokesman Simon Galea called for incentives to encourage innovative private sector initiatives which attract quality tourists in sectors like diving, eco-tourism, cultural tourism and agro-tourism.