By
Guest |
This article was first published in the Autumn/Winter 2016 issue of International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
Malta has managed to strike the right balance between traditional hospitality and a cosmopolitan spirit. You will find that the people of Malta are a product of the Mediterranean’s history and geography. All this is reflected in the calendar of events prepared for Valletta 2018 where the city holds the title of the European Capital of Culture.
Malta provides an authentic and unique backdrop to a variety of international events that attract visitors from all over the world. The island’s vibrant arts scene offers a surprisingly diverse repertoire of theatre, opera, music and dance. It also hosts an array of international sporting events such as the Rolex Middle Sea Race, the Malta Marathon and the Malta International Air Show. V18’s calendar adds exciting layers including the Pageant of the Seas, a colourful spectacle set against the majestic backdrop of Valletta’s Grand Harbour; Muza, housing the National Museum of Fine Arts; the Valletta Design Cluster to include creative networking and community integration; and the regeneration of the Old Indoor Market with its 1860s design to include a fresh food offer amidst cultural activity.
This momentum is visible in port. 2016 is set to be a record year with over 700,000 cruise passenger movements and over 300 calls. Valletta Cruise Port has just finished extending its terminal facilities to improve flows and the overall customer experience.
Overnight stays are on the increase brought on by innovative night tours, and attractive cruise casino regulations, allowing cruise lines to open their onboard casinos while in port after 6pm. Often a call in Malta is combined with a call in the smaller island, Gozo, for boutique lines allowing for fuel savings.
“Malta is a vibrant destination and this is reflected in our port and all that is currently going on,” says Stephen Xuereb, CEO of Valletta Cruise Port. “Valletta Cruise Port has created a destination within a destination with the original project. We are currently taking stock of how we can further improve our key infrastructure and services. It is this journey of discovery that will allow us to continue excelling in what we offer.”