Cruise sector in record performance
Total cruise passenger traffic last year advanced by 9.4 per cent over 2011, and reached 608,786 passengers.
In December, the number stood at 18,156, 15.4 per cent more than in the same month in 2011.
The National Statistics Office said that in December, an increase of 14.6 per cent was noted in the number of transit passengers, while passenger embarkations and landings increased significantly over 2011.
The largest number of passengers came from EU countries and increased by 22.7 per cent over December 2011. The Italian market dropped by 15.8 per cent, while French passengers were down by 24.4 per cent.
But the British market recorded a substantial increase. The majority of non-EU passengers came from the United States and amounted to 1,309.
In 2012, 80 per cent of cruise visitors came from EU states - 32 per cent from Germany and 20 per cent from Italy. 32 per cent of passengers from non-EU states came from the United States.
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13 Comments
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Mr phil sam
Jan 22nd, 15:24
Pity the boats do not stop in Qawra. It's like a ghost town.
D Portelli
Jan 22nd, 14:46
It's a good news. Well done to all those that promote and work hard for this sector.
Mr T Zahra
Jan 22nd, 13:21
The article states - The majority of non-EU passengers came from the United States and amounted to 1,309.
In 2012, 32 per cent of passengers from non-EU states came from the United States.
The quoted figure of 1309 is obviously incorrect and should be amended. 32% of 608,786 is equivalent to 194,811
Colin Formosa
Jan 22nd, 16:09
The article is correct and the figures you quoted refer to the month of December only.
Mr Edwin Vella
Jan 22nd, 13:05
It is about time that St. Paul's Bay stars ahving it's deserved share of trade. Naval ships should be berthed in St. Paul's Bay. It is not fair that while all cruise liners are being berthed in The Grand Harbour, St. Paul's bay is left out in such a misery. The Bugibba Business Community deserve much better.
Joseph Galea
Jan 22nd, 12:08
Typical! A positive news item and no comments about it. Yet the gloom and doom merchants continue to ply their wares elsewhere.
Mr Tony Gatt
Jan 22nd, 12:44
@Joseph Galea
O.K. Here goes- even if the tourists don't spend a whole lot of money, the liner companies have to pay harbour dues; the taxi drivers and bustour companies make money, and there will be ancillary gains to souvenier sellers, cafes, museums etc.
How's that?
John Azzopoardi
Jan 22nd, 11:58
I wish people stop screaming about tourism from cruises. This kind of tourism does not bring much money. Tourist from cruise ships spend an an average ot 5 hours on land - time to take a tour of Valletta, buy some soveniours and eat lunch. That does not generate much income does it. PLease correct me if I am wrong.
G Portelli
Jan 22nd, 12:44
You're wrong mate. 600 000 multiplied by at least 20 is 12 000 000. All this money and much more goes into businesses in the Valletta area. Besides others decide to come to visit the island for a holiday after literally discovering it during their short stay.
Neil Bugeja
Jan 22nd, 13:03
The cruise ships still have to pay to enter harbour...excursions are organised by the maltese, the tourists spend 8-9 hours in Malta, not 5, and several excursions take them to Mdina and places where they don't return to the ship to eat, so that's money for restaurants. It may not be all that much, but every little helps!
adrian agius
Jan 22nd, 13:24
usually cruise passengers generate lots of money on tours. So transport companies should do very well.
Michael Owen
Jan 22nd, 13:34
I totally support your comment John. Don't you think, that as the cruise price includes all the food you can eat, the passengers would have a packed lunch to eat during their horse drawn trip around Valletta?
When they get home they can say, "We have been to Malta". Big deal........they saw nothing.
Colin Formosa
Jan 22nd, 16:13
Mr Owen, many times they see enough to warrant a holiday to Malta.
It's a brilliant advert and any money spent on their stay is welcome.
Please choose the reason of your report below: