Farsons CEO Louis Farrugia is to take over as chairman of the Malta Tourism Authority on January 1, the Government said today.

He succeeds Sam Mifsud, whose term of office expires at the end of the year.

"Mr Louis Farrugia will be heading the MTA in challenging times. His knowledge and experience, having been at the helm of one of Malta's premier business organisations for many years, will be an asset in 2010 as Malta's tourism industry aims to beat the international economic recession and return to growth," the government said.

Mr Farrugia earlier this year announced plans to step down from CEO at Farsons and a CEO Designate was appointed.

Mr Mifsud is being appointed advisor to the Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism. He will continue to advise government on route development strategy.

Mr Mifsud led the MTA's Board since September 2006.

"During his tenure he was instrumental in bringing about a number of organisational changes within MTA and in enticing airlines to start operating new routes to Malta. As a result Malta's tourism grew to unprecedented levels, with record years in 2007 and 2008," the government said.

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