Evident positive trends in tourism

Everyone stands to benefit from tourism - Mit-turiżmu jiekol kulhadd, as rightly stated by the Malta Tourism Authority in its awareness campaign. Over the past few days, more positive news on the trends in this vital sector continued to emerge, with the latest statistics showing improvements in every area.

Statistics are an indicator but only part of the bigger picture that one must bear in mind when analysing the tourism sector. The latest figures published by the National Statistics Office confirm this year’s positive trends, with an increase of about 17 per cent in the number of visitors arriving in Malta last June, as compared to June 2009. The same trend was also reflected in the number of bed nights.

Numbers aside, one must also focus on quality tourism. Efforts to place Malta on the map as an ideal venue for the organisation of specialised conferences are to be commended. One notes with satisfaction that these efforts are being rewarded. In a few days’ time, our country will host the largest conference ever to be organised here, welcoming 5,000 delegates from a major pharmaceutical company.

The efforts being undertaken to ensure the success of this conference are laudable for success will increase the likelihood that such events are duplicated. These trends also reflect the wider picture, whereby the global economy is continuing to emerge from recession. Thanks to responsible political leadership, our country is today in a position to exploit the positive opportunities being made available – August 27.

Keeping pests at bay

It was a pleasure to visit tomato producers this morning and hear about the success achieved in tackling the spread of the pest tuta absoluta in our country. Until last year, this pest, which attacks agricultural products such as tomatoes, was a great cause for concern among the agricultural community due to the threat it posed to their crops and livelihood.

As a result of cooperation bet­ween the government and the parties involved in the sector, including farmers’ and tomato producer associations, producers and local processors, a plan for the assistance necessary was drawn up and an ambitious programme implemented. This cooperation was also backed up by a €300,000 allocation by the government, covering half the costs. The fruit of such cooperation is evident in the fact that while last year 20 per cent of tomatoes produced had to be destroyed, this year’s figures are down to one to two per cent. This is the reality of Malta’s agriculture. A reality very different from the distorted picture depicted by others, including opposition speakers, in their commentaries. Our agricultural sector is confident, notwithstanding the difficulties it faces.

I recently came across a Turkish newspaper report on the forecast damage envisaged by the tuta absoluta in the country in the coming months. Looking back, one notes with satisfaction that together we have overcome a problem that other countries, much larger than ours, are still facing. I would like to thank all those who participated in this initiative, including the staff at the Plant Health Department within the ministry – August 25.

International Day for Homeless Animals

Today is International Day for Homeless Animals and to commemorate it I invited those who, during the past months, had adopted cats or dogs rescued by the Animal Welfare Department. The aim of the activity was twofold: to thank them for their kind gesture and to appeal to others to do the same. Animals up for adoption may be viewed at vafd.gov.mt/str.

The Animal Welfare Department receives about 200 telephone calls a month. More than 800 cats and dogs have been rescued since the department’s ambulance service was launched. After being rescued, these animals are taken to a vet and given the necessary care, after which they are taken to recover at Għammieri. Once in good health, they are given up for adoption. So far, 35 per cent (250) of the cats and dogs rescued have been given loving homes.

A touching moment this morning was when Suzanne Portelli Demajo introduced us to a dog named Katerina, rescued a few months ago next to the fireworks factory of Santa Katerina in Żurrieq, hence the name. When found, Katerina was weak and undernourished and could only move her head. Thanks to Dr Portelli Demajo’s patience, dedication and hours of physiotherapy, Katerina is again living a normal life. Like Dr Portelli Demajo, the Animal Welfare Department’s staff members dedicate their care and attention, together with the help of students from Mcast’s AgriBusiness Institute.

In a few weeks’ time we will continue to improve our services by inaugurating the After Care Animal Centre in Ta’ Qali. We will also be offering space for the training of guide dogs for the visually impaired. The work being done by the state complements the hard work carried out on a daily basis by a number of NGOs that dedicate their energy, resources and personal time to the wellbeing of animals – August 21.

Positive signs in the economy

Recent news confirmed that the Maltese economy is continuing to overcome the economic and financial turmoil faced by the international community over the past two years.

Statistics published by the National Statistics Office show that during the first half of this year exports increased by 35 per cent over the same period last year.

Many of these exports are products manufactured loc-ally.

Other statistics indicate that in the first half of this year tourism increased by 11 per cent. Increases were also registered both in bed nights and tourist expenditure.

These figures represent tourists who stay in Malta or Gozo during their holiday, and do not include cruise liner passengers. In fact, there has been a staggering 50 per cent increase in cruise liner passenger arrivals compared to the same period last year.

Naturally, the best indicator is employment as this reflects not only how much economic wealth is being created but also how this wealth is being distributed.

The latest Labour Force Survey indicates an increase of 3,700 jobs in the past year.

Other figures show the rate of unemployment in Malta is among the lowest in Europe.

All this does not mean that we should ignore what is taking place internationally, with many countries facing high levels of unemployment and recession and governments requesting bail-outs from institutions such as the International Monetary Fund.

Rather, we must continue to ensure government funds are used wisely so that, instead of money going to subsidies that drain funds with no return it is invested in areas that reap future benefits through the generation of wealth and jobs – August 17.

georgepullicino.blogspot.com

The author is Minister of Resources and Rural Affairs.