Outlook for the tourism sector for 2014 appears positive, Tourism Minister Karmenu Vella said yesterday, as he cheered a record year of arrivals.
Malta had attracted a record 1.5 million tourists by November, a figure which was attained a month earlier than predicted.
The Tourism Minister said the past year’s record results presented a challenge and created a higher yardstick by which 2014 will be measured.
He emphasised the need to have tourists receiving the best possible service which allows them to return to their homeland satisfied.
The minister yesterday toured the Cavalieri, Valentina and Hilton hotels in St Julian’s to “pay tribute” to the staff who worked tirelessly to ensure an enjoyable night out for countless others. Mr Vella said that, while certain niche markets such as sports tourism were being targeted, other markets lagged behind, such as medical tourism.
I believe that Malta could be better exploited in terms of our geographical position and heritage
He also touched upon religious tourism, describing Malta as being inundated with opportunities of work in this area.
“There’s also the fashion niche. Other countries often organise fashion conferences, fashion shows and product launches.
“I believe that Malta, with its rich baroque architecture, set against the backdrop of the sea, could be better exploited in terms of our geographical position and our heritage, combined with these emerging niches,” the minister said.
Final preparations were under way at the establishments visited yesterday, especially in the kitchens where deft hands prepared the mouth-watering dishes to be served later in the evening.
Together with Malta Tourism Authority CEO Josef Formosa Gauci and the president of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association Paul Bugeja, Mr Vella seemed to particularly enjoy what he jokingly termed as “the room of sin” – the area filled with a tempting display of sweets ranging from banoffee pies, to fruit boats and éclairs.
All three establishments were booked to maximum capacity for the New Year.