Malta’s tourism industry depends on the country’s capacity to reinvent itself as a tourism destination, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said this morning.

Speaking during the Association of British Travel Agents Convention, the Prime Minister said that registering 12 per cent and 20 per cent growth in tourism arrivals and expenditure in the first eight months over a year ago was the result of key strategic decisions.

However, there was no room for complacency but for innovation, re-appraisal and improvements across the board.

Malta’s attention was focused on improving its product through heavy investment in heritage and historical sites to preserve and regenerate.

Dr Gonzi said that the government had commissioned Renzo Piano to design a new entrance to Valletta, regenerate and develop the old opera house ruins and build a new parliament. This project, together with a number of other restoration and urban regeneration projects, he said, would usher in a new renaissance for the capital.

Malta was also investing in creating a mix of vibrant and diverse events throughout the year ranging from traditional village feasts to international music, art and sports events.

Niche sectors were also fast developing with the successful diving niche growing in success and attractiveness.

Dr Gonzi said that accessibility remained a key strategic factor for Malta. Its accessibility from the United Kingdom increased considerably in 2010 with a number of new routes offered from across the country.

It also increased the country’s accessibility through the interplay of legacy and low-cost carriers.

The livelihood of the tourism industry, he said, depended on the ease of accessibility to our country.