The recent credit crunch and the international financial turmoil has also left its market on local tourism. Malta has recently seen a drop in tourist figures and the local market is expected to be one of the worst hit in Europe.

However, it is not all bad news from the hotel industry. The sales and marketing team at the Seashells Resort at Suncrest has been working hard "to offer good value for money and fun" to its clients.

Ludgarda Schembri, Suncrest's sales and marketing manager, said one has to differentiate between the local and foreign markets. "On the local scenario we offer weekend breaks, days by the pool and the different restaurant and bar options, including Sun and Surf, Le Pavilion, The Grill and La Place. We are seeing a very good response in all and people are responding to our offers.

"For the foreign markets we are offering the same as above but mostly for longer stays - at least four nights and including our all inclusive offer, of course. We are seeing that this year the all-inclusive option is extremely popular; mostly we feel because in this case people do not have to budget any extra expenses for food and drink."

Thanks to the all-inclusive offer, summer occupancy at the hotel has improved considerably. "However, the trend is very last minute", with occupancies changing and improving continuously.

Ms Schembri said the resort, which is Malta's largest with 452 rooms, will close July with around 86 per cent occupancy level. "Considering the occupancy we are working with maximum staff levels," she said.

Ms Schembri is not taking this lightly. "One cannot take things for granted any more and flexibility and customer demands are the rule of the day. We will be advertising both locally and abroad - going to the end client - and also advertising on the internet. Our offers vary, and we are suggesting different amenities and services.

The summer months are also all about holidays, families and more time to catch up with friends - indeed our offers will target these very important sectors, offering above all good value for money and having fun."

That is quite easy considering the hotel's amenities are vast and wide. Most rooms have breathtaking sea views.

Apart from the seashore the resort boasts a 42-metre long pool, large deck area complete with sunbeds and umbrellas, two pools for children and its own splash slide.

Those residents making use of the all-inclusive package are given a keycard together with a coloured wrist-band to be worn at all times. All meals, snacks and drinks are included in the package, enabling the visitor to budget before actually travelling to Malta.