(Adds Feltom statement)

The Federated Association of Travel & Tourism Agents (Fatta) said today that it welcomed the news that the government is forging ahead with the City Gate project.

“This is an ambitious and long awaited project which should give Valletta the majestic entrance it so deserves. The project will certainly enhance product Malta from a tourism perspective, and is possibly highest on the most needed list. The eventual relocation of Parliament to the site of the opera house will enable the Grandmaster’s Palace to be showcased more effectively to visitors,” it said.

Fatta said that plans for this project to kick-start the overall regeneration of the capital city by 2018 would also be a massive step to revive Valletta a hub of culture and heritage.

It welcomed the government’s commitment to complete the project within four years and augured that deadlines would be met.

In a separate statement, Feltom, the federation of English language schools, said it was important not to miss another opportunity to enhance the capital. The issue was hotly debated 20 years ago but no project reached a conclusion.

"The city is one of the most historic areas in the world with its 320 monuments packed into a very small area. Such a treasure deserves an entrance which is in keeping with its status as a World Heritage Site...

"Valletta’s historic buildings should be kept alive by allowing visitors to enjoy them. It is appropriate that any work on a city of such calibre should be carried out by a world renowned architect such as Renzo Piano. Great architects add value to a city and increase its attraction to visitors," it said.