The Seabank Hotel in Ghadira Bay was re-inaugurated by the prime minister this evening after an eight-month, €32 million transformation into Malta's biggest hotel.
The Seabank now boasts 550 rooms, a lavish lagoon style pool area, a glass topped indoor pool with panoramic views, seven restaurants, bars, conference facilities and a state-of-the-art Spa.
Silvio Debono, owner and chairman of the Seabank Group - who recalled how he started his career as a waiter - described the new hotel as a dream come true and a source of pride.
He said the Seabank now was not only a bigger hotel, but a completely different one.
"The all inclusive concept is designed for certain types of tourists, namely couples and families looking for a hassle-free holiday. They want everything at hand and choice in whatever takes their fancy.
"Above all, they do not wish to put their hand in their pocket again after they arrive," he said.
"This is the reason why you will notice seven different restaurants around you this evening. In other words, a tourist who comes here for a week can eat in a different one every day."
This, he said, was a truly all inclusive resort as much as it was good value.
"The challenge we set ourselves was not just to radically change the concept but also to do so quickly. It was the only way we could reopen our doors in the shortest time possible and thereby keep all our staff with us.
"Everyday during these eight months we had between 700-1000 people working on this site. There were 3,000 more working in factories and offices to supply us with materials, finishings and services.
Mr Debono thanked all those involved in the project and promised that more projects were in the pipeline.
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi congratulated te Seabank Group and Mr Debono and praised them for the confidence they showed in the country with this investment at a time of international economic turmoil. This, he said, was a celebration for the whole country.
The investment reflected the vision and confidence of the private sector as well as the government.
The government, through various schemes, was creating the right conditions for investors and it was investing heavily in improving the tourist product, enabling this sector to grow, as witnessed by the records of the four of the past five years.
MINUTE'S SILENCE
Guests were also addressed by CEO Arthur Gauci, who also asked those present to observe a minute's silence in memory of worker who died when a section of the building collapsed during construction.