Valletta Cruise Port is enjoying a strong year, with the number of cruise passengers 30% up year-on in October, while the number of passengers that have visited the Maltese capital on a cruise has already exceeded the full year figure achieved last year, the port said in a statement
"The total cruise passenger movements in October this year was 76,828 . This represents a 30% increase over October of last year. In fact, this was Valletta Cruise Port’s best October in its ten year history. During this record breaking month, there was one maiden call with Costa Marina on the 27th of October," Valletta Cruise Port said.
Since the beginning of the year, total cruise passenger movements stood at 493,495, which is more than the total registered for the full year in 2010 (490,744). Valletta Cruise Port registered the 500,000th cruise passenger movement with the TUI Mein Schiff 1 during the last home porting call of the season.
Achieving this milestone among others, Valletta Cruise Port anticipates a record breaking year in 2011. As a gesture of thanks and to celebrate the last call of the season, the Malta Tourism Authority gave a farewell fireworks display upon the Mein Schiff ‘s1 departure from Malta’s Grand Harbour. The impact to the local economy is significant as Valletta Cruise Port’s investment programme has created a direct and indirect source of employment to a number of households. This initiative has generated in excess of €250 million to the local economy since 2005.
In addition and to further enhance Valletta Cruise Port’s position, a newly established ferry service between Malta and Libya, will start its operations in November. This is expected to begin regular scheduled service this week and Valletta Cruise Port is pleased to collaborate with The Zammit Group, Fergun Shipping and BH International of Libya on this initiative.
Valletta Cruise Port desires to register its appreciation to the local agents, the Malta Tourism Authority, Air Malta, Malta International Airport and Transport Malta who are constructively in collaborative relationship with Valletta Cruise Port to develop the cruise sector business in Malta.
