Joseph Zammit Tabona has once again been appointed chairman of Valletta Cruise Port plc. Mr Zammit Tabona held this role between 2007 and 2009, before leaving to serve as Malta’s Commissioner for the UK and Ireland.

His appointment will not come a moment too soon for the industry, which has seen a huge drop following the departure of key cruise lines. In the first half of the year, cruise passengers were down 33.2 per cent compared with 2012.

The Sunday Times of Malta Business reported recently about complaints from key stakeholders that Valletta Cruise Port was losing momentum due to infighting within the board, which was distracting it from replacing the lost business and lobbying for incentives that would entice the cruise lines to return.

Mr Zammit Tabona’s reinstatement has been an open secret for weeks and has been anticipated by stakeholders with considerable optimism as they believe that he will bring much needed focus.

In the announcement released by Valletta Cruise Port, Mr Zammit Tabona was quoted as saying he would be focusing on strengthening the relationship with the cruise lines, their local agents as well as other stakeholders, in particular the Malta Tourism Authority.

“I see much scope in synergising the input of all concerned for the benefit of an industry that last year alone generated €98 million for the local economy. There is much scope for growth and I will be fully supporting management in its business development initiatives,” he said.

With regards to the landside activities, Valletta Cruise Port said the new chairman would continue with the development of the company’s property in Valletta.