What are your prospects for the coming festive season, given the state of the economy?
Actually we are very pleased with business on the books and are forecasting a further increase in the coming weeks. This is in line with our expectations and exceeding last year’s results. Bookings for corporate staff parties and events are also positive as are reservations for the traditional Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day dinner and lunch. All in all, a successful end to a good year.

What will be the hotel’s highlight of the festivities?
InterContinental Malta comes alive at Christmas and there is an exciting and buzzing atmosphere amongst guests and staff alike. The kitchen team has spent the last couple of weeks preparing Christmas decorations including a couple of metre-tall Father Christmases made of sugar paste, a butterworks snowman, a gingerbread house, a detailed crib made from marzipan, a butter and chocolate Christmas village and a sledge with a nautical theme for Paranga. These are amazing works of art and I am very proud of the talent and dedication that our pastry team has shown.
 
How will you manage to enjoy the festivities with your loved ones if the season of goodwill is also the busiest time for hotels?
Working in the hospitality industry is like a vocation and working during traditional holiday periods comes as part of the job. Still, the time spent with my family during the festivities is good quality time and I have the advantage of being able to truly enjoy those little significant moments of free time.