Nearly 400,000 tourists visited Malta on cruise liners in 2006, revealed VISET general manager Chris Paris. The record number of tourists is estimated to have spent around Lm 3.4 million (€ 7.9 million, US$ 10.5 million) in Malta up until September.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Mr. Paris added that the record is expected to be broken in 2007, forecasting a 10% increase in the number of tourist arrivals from cruise liners on the island. It is further believed that by 2010 the amount of cruise liner passengers hitting the Maltese shores could double, totaling to near one million. The total number of arrivals this year up until Septmeber stood at 394,567.
It was also reveled that up to 85.5% of tourists arriving in Malta on cruise liners would reconsider stopping by for another visit in the future.
With reference of the greatest challenges faced by the cruise liner industry, Mr. Paris explained that issues tied to transport as well as infrastructure remain priorities. He also added that this year’s record achievement is noteworthy because in the light of Malta's loss of duty free status.
In turn, VISET is planning to regenerate Pinto Wharf and open new establishments near the Grand Harbour where cruise liner passengers are dropped off.
See also:
Cruise passenger traffic up by 12.4% in October
By MaltaMedia News
Nov 23, 2006, 12:40 CET
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