The RAI Christmas concert, watched by millions around the world every year, is to be recorded in Malta.

Education Minister Dolores Cristina said that her ministry had had talks with the Salesian congregation in Rome, which organises the concert through Prime Time Co. about the possibility of having the concert recorded in Malta, and the outcome of the talks had been positive.

"This concert should serve as major promotion for Malta, while providing an opportunity for the members of the National Philharmonic Orchestra to appear on the international stage," the minister said.

Replying to a parliamentary question, she said the Budget included a provision for the payment of €250,000 which would not go to RAI but would go to cover part of the costs of the organisation of the concert, including the engagement of foreign artists.

She pointed out that the concert is transmitted to a worldwide audience of several million, including three million in Italy alone, during prime time. Were Malta to buy that air time, it would cost it €2 million.

The concert was for many years recorded at the Vatican but last year it was recorded at Monte Carlo, and this year in Catania.

"The ministry felt this was an opportunity not to be missed, and it should be very beneficial to the country both with regard to tourism as well as culture," the minister said.