National Aquarium to open in summer
Malta’s first national aquarium is expected to open this summer as works on the nearly €16 million project are progressing well.
The aquarium, which was deemed commercially impossible until a few years ago, was made possible through EU funds granted to private developers by the Malta Tourism Authority.
During a visit to the works yesterday, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said EU funds were proving to be essential so that Malta could make a quality leap forward and offer an upmarket tourist product.
He said the project will serve as an added attraction to Maltese families, as apart from 26 fish tanks it will include a large public area with recreational facilities.
The Malta National Aquarium is a public-private partnership between the MTA and consortium Mariner Aquatic Limited.
Work, on a large area on the Qawra promenade next to the Ta’ Fra Ben Tower, has been going on for the past two years and marine experts have been brought to Malta to advise on which types of fish to put in the tanks – the largest with a 12-metre diameter.
The management plans to have 175 different species, with a special area dedicated to Mediterranean species, while sharks will be brought from the Indian Ocean.
Dr Gonzi said the Government was proud to be able to back such projects, which would continue to put Malta on the Mediterranean tourism map.
He said it will enhance the Qawra area, which is already popular with tourists. In the peak season, the aquarium is expected to employ 100 people.
Aquarium facts:
The project is spread over 20,000 square metres and will include an aquarium with 26 tanks, a public garden with a children’s play area, a multi-storey car park, a diving institute, a reef club and catering facilities.
The main tank will house aquatic species from the Indian Ocean, including two shark species. Visitors will be able to go through a water tunnel to see the fish at close range.
Additional features include a classroom, touch pools, exhibition space, veterinary and quarantine facilities.
The entrance will be housed in an iconic curved shell structure shaped as a starfish.
Out of a €15.6 million investment, €8.85 million is being funded through the European Regional Development Fund.
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13 Comments
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nigel in sandbach
Feb 28th, 09:18
the National Aquarium if it is ready by summer will bring my visit to malta to see it, from my none all inclusive self catering eat out drink out, 3week annual holiday, and 1500 euro budgit to be spent in the local economy of gozo, malta really needs to promote the fact that all inclusive is a waste of a good holiday, great local food, cheap buses, great places to visit, and reasonable prices
Gustav Svensson
Feb 27th, 22:45
This money would have been better spent on proper roads:)
Mario Aquilina
Feb 27th, 21:11
I'm wondering, why didn't Labour mention anyhting about this in their mudslinging video ad 'GonziPN - The First 100 Days'? But then again, what was I expecting from PL and JM?
Ben Tuckley
Feb 27th, 18:55
By the way I'm only 14. We enjoy spending our money in Malta, and lots of people would agree with me there. Also, your stereotypical remarks should be revised, as most people enjoy exploring too. I am a big fan of your country but your false stereotypes are what can only be described as wrong. If you are looking at a beach all day you will see tourists, but that is the same with anywhere on Malta.
Ben Tuckley
Feb 27th, 18:37
My opinions probably won't matter to the two of you in the slightest (Anna and Joe), but I find it truly disgusting that such unprovoked comments can even be made. I have visited the island 12 times with my family - 13 in May - and we explore, a concept lost on some people. I find it deeply insulting that you classify all tourists into such groups. Why else would my family and I return every year?
Caroline Tuckley
Feb 27th, 11:07
Apart from the last two years we come to Malta every year and stay at the Qawra Palace.
We are NOT the typical tourists just laying on the beach, we explore the island and spend OUR money.We will be back again in May and already our list includes the Malta Car Museum (again) The Palace Parisio in Naxxar (again) and hopefully the Aquarium. We also stay half board just so that we can eat out!!!!!
Anna B.
Feb 27th, 10:15
@ Pauline Peterson - It will work if something is provided Free of Charge - If you have a look around especially Bugibba, all tourist do is lie in the sun and moan when it rains. Most of them, their outing is a walk along the promenade, as it costs them nothing! When you offer them a service, all they reply is 'let me think about it!'
Chris Tuckley
Feb 27th, 11:23
Anna B I find your comment offensive, since 1969 I have visited Malta at least once a year. To be accused of wanting things free and just laying in the sun. To us is not correct. There is not one corner of the Island that we have not visited, We pay only half board so that we can eat Maltese Food. We are happy to pay for entrance to any attraction. Anna maybe you are looking into what you do.
Anthony Tab.
Feb 28th, 12:57
Anna your comment is not fair and not true , people working in hotels , restaurants , nightclubs , coaches , mini buses , car hire , excursions , ...ecc... they all get paid from the money spent by tourist , so how can you write such comment , please be more intelligent and do not put these people's jobs at risk , ignorance is not a handicap , all we have to do is learn about things honestly.
Joe Grech
Feb 26th, 23:16
If this Aquarium is meant to entertain Maltese families that is acceptable.
But I believe it won't succeed in pulling in crowds of tourists.
Let's face it: most of our tourists come here on all-inclusive rates and they do spend very little. I think visiting an aquarium at Qawra won't be their prime objective...
Tourism is costing us MUCH MORE than it's providing!
Pauline Peterson
Feb 27th, 08:46
As long as it is advertised, so the tourists can see that it is another attraction they can visit, it should work.
Chris Tuckley
Feb 27th, 11:47
Joe.. The death of any holiday is the pig rates, All Inclusive, eat and drink as much as you can over the holiday period. We detest it. If people go all inclusive dont they go to Skegness Cleethorpes or even Rhyl by not getting out and seeng your wonderful Island they do not know what they are missing I hear people count up what they have eaten and drank. We are not one of those families
M Baldacchino
Mar 2nd, 14:10
Sure there are some tourists who come all inclusive and spend their entire holiday in the hotel, but there are much more who come to explore the island and spend their money at the many attractions we offer! Having worked in both Valletta & Qawra for the past 5 years ,I can safely say in peak seasons, the vast majority of the income to attractions and restaurants is generated by tourist
Please choose the reason of your report below: