Record cruise liner passengers forecast

Malta is in for a record year in terms of cruise liner passengers in 2005, Joseph Grioli, Viset's chief executive officer, said yesterday.

Viset plc, which has been entrusted with the operation of the cruise liner terminal at Pinto Wharf and with the restoration and revival of Valletta waterfront, expects to inaugurate the first phase of the Lm12 million project by June next year.

Out of the Lm12 million, Lm5 million have already been invested. The project is expected to employ 500 employees.

Mr Grioli was speaking to reporters following a tour of the works at Pinto Wharf by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.

Dr Gonzi expressed the government's satisfaction at the way work is progressing. The government will be ensuring that this development will go on to become one of the most profitable niche markets for Malta.

"As a niche market, cruise passenger business promises a tremendous growth potential. The Malta Tourism Authority will be doing its utmost to push this sector which is an important link in the national strategy for economic growth," the Prime Minister said.

The development, along the waterfront, also features part of the country's rich cultural and historic heritage when one takes into account the vast amount of restoration work that has been undertaken, Dr Gonzi noted.

The upgrading of the waterfront will be moving hand in hand with the upgrade of Valletta. The government will again be issuing a call for tenders for the construction and operation of a lift from the waterfront to the Upper Barrakka, in Valletta because no bids had been made when the first calls were issued earlier this year.