Mifsud Brothers has been a feature at the Grand Harbour of Valletta, Malta, for over 160 years, delivering cruise operation services since 1948 and, more recently, yacht industry services, destination management and more. The recent reorganisation of the company, which transformed Mifsud Brothers into a group managing its services through a number of brands, was therefore a significant step for chairman Ivan Mifsud. “I felt a big responsibility as the guardian of the family business, to hand it over to the next generation,” he says. “Because of this, the reorganisation took a while to develop.” Among the brands operating under the group is Malta Cruise and Yacht Services (MCYS), which continues Mifsud Brothers’ long history in Valletta under the leadership of managing director Massimo Schembri. “After becoming an entity of its own, MCYS can now focus entirely on delivering port agency operations and our future growth,” says Schembri. “We have relocated into new offices closer to Valletta Cruise Port itself and the company is moving towards a more intuitive approach to developing and delivering its services, even technologically.” One example of this approach has been MCYS’ implementation of a bespoke software solution, initially intended to improve billing processes. However, after discussing the potential of the software with IT consultants, the company decided to expand the solution to improve how it monitors and follows up on its services. “With a new office, new software and dedicated people who are available 24/7 for our cruise principals, we are future proofing our company,” says Schembri. Another of the Mifsud Brothers brands is 20Twenty, which is a boutique experiential destination managment company and handles shore excursions and turnarounds, pre- and post-cruise stays and small group tours in Malta. In the past, the islands have been a magnet for those seeking warmer climates but have made an effort to overcome seasonality by attracting a new type of traveller. 20Twenty has adapted its experiences to suit this new kind of traveller while continuing to serve the needs of its cruise partners. “We are seeing a trend in smaller groups, more private arrangements and unique events and sustainable activities,” says Mifsud. “We do our best to visit places when they are quieter and include lesser-known venues that are equally interesting. Furthermore, when there is a local event taking place, we always try to incorporate it into our programmes to allow guests to immerse themselves in the destination.” MEDITERRANEAN: INTERVIEW Entering a new era Ivan Mifsud and Massimo Schembri tell Alex Smith how Mifsud Brothers’ recent reorganisation is strengthening the company’s cruise and yachting services “ The company is moving towards a more intuitive approach to developing and delivering its services” Massimo Schembri Ivan Mifsud (second from right) and Massimo Schembri (far left) with executives from Carnival UK and the British High Commission of Malta 88
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