Malta managed to outperform last year’s record despite unprecedented challenges, according to Tourism Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco.

“This was a particularly challenging year; however, the industry exceeded the figure of 1.3 million tourist arrivals in 2010. Despite an unstable economic scenario, we still managed to reach the 1.4 million arrivals record. This is something the industry should be proud of,” he said.

These results would not have been possible without the dedication of hoteliers and people who work in the tourism industry, he said, as he shook hands with hospitality staff duringthe traditional end-of-yearvisits to hotels and catering establishments.

During yesterday’s visits to The Palace, The Preluna and The Plaza hotels in Sliema, and Barracuda restaurant in St Julian’s, Dr de Marco commended the establishments’ hospitality.

The tourism sector did well across a number of indicators, with guest nights rising and tourist expenditure shooting up.

Asked about the increasing cost of living, which might scare off potential tourists, Dr de Marco said competitiveness depended on the provision of good value for money. “It’s not only an issue of price, but an issue of what you offer for that price,” he said.

The government was focusing on upgrading the product Malta offered in terms of infrastructure, heritage and establishments, Dr de Marco added.