Agency returns with promise of thousands of French tourists

French tourist agency Touristra will be returning to Malta in 2010 after an absence of more than 11 years with the promise of bringing over 4,000 tourists in the first year of a three-year deal worth an estimated €11 million.

Touristra used to bring thousands of tourists to Malta through an arrangement it had with the Ħal Ferħ complex in Għajn Tuffieħa. However, when plans to close down the complex were mentioned, the agency started looking elsewhere to take its tourists, mainly Bulgaria and Croatia.

The agency has now signed a deal with Paradise Bay Hotel. The signing took place last night in the presence of Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Tourism Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco.

Nationalist MP Robert Arrigo, of Robert Arrigo and Sons Limited, Touristra's handling agent in Malta, was instrumental in convincing the firm to start bringing tourists to Malta again.

Mr Arrigo said the deal with Paradise Bay Hotel replaced that held previously with the Ħal Ferħ complex. The agency, which will start operations to Malta next April, will be aiming to develop a French-speaking club on the island.

The deal involves block booking several of the hotel's rooms. The agency also struck a deal with Air Malta and will be purchasing airline seats in advance.

Mr Arrigo estimated the deal to be worth between €10 and €11 million in sales, hotel bookings and excursions.

In February, the Malta International Airport registered an increase of 28.7 per cent in tourist movements from the French market.