The Valletta Cruise Port recorded over 940,000 passenger actions in 2024, surpassing its earlier document set in 2019 by 4 %, in keeping with a press launch.
This milestone was introduced on Wednesday, Jan. 15 throughout a go to to the port by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for International Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Chris Bonett, and Valletta Cruise Port CEO Stephen Xuereb.
The Grand Harbour welcomed 357 cruise ship calls over the previous 12 months, solidifying its place as a key hub for the cruise trade.
Deputy Prime Minister Borg highlighted that the federal government is decided to proceed supporting this sector whereas bettering the general expertise of cruise passengers throughout their stops within the Maltese Islands.
“We would like cruise passengers to get pleasure from their expertise and put our nation on their bucket listing for an extended vacation subsequent time spherical,” mentioned Borg. “To attain this, we’d like a complete effort by all stakeholders, not solely from the non-public sector but in addition from totally different authorities entities and authorities. That is why we’re collaborating with different ministries to guarantee that as a rustic, we intensify our efforts for a better-quality tourism product in coming years.”
Minister Bonett emphasised the numerous strides made in sustainability by means of the latest funding in shore-to-ship infrastructure. The system, which may energy as much as 5 cruise liners concurrently is anticipated to chop air pollution by 90 % for close by residents by 2030.
Bonett additionally emphasised the strategic significance of the Onshore Energy Provide (OPS) mission, which positions Malta as the primary Mediterranean port to undertake this expertise. Moreover, he highlighted the extension of Quay Pinto 4-5 as a key step in supporting the maritime trade’s sustainable improvement and development.
“These initiatives are a transparent demonstration of our dedication to balancing financial improvement with environmental duty,” mentioned Bonett.
Stephen Xuereb, COO of World Ports Holding and CEO of Valletta Cruise Port, mentioned: “We’re extremely pleased with the record-breaking outcomes achieved in 2024, reflecting the cruise trade’s resilience and swift restoration post-Covid. This success is as a result of collaboration of assorted stakeholders, and we lengthen our gratitude to all of them – together with the Ministries of Tourism and Transport, Authorities, Ship and Shorex Brokers, Service Suppliers, Tenants and particularly our devoted personnel. Past the spectacular numbers, we should proceed to work in the direction of delivering a easy and genuine Mediterranean expertise for which our Islands are globally famend.”
“The federal government is continuous its work on Quay Pinto 4-5, an important a part of our infrastructure, and we anticipate its completion inside the subsequent 12 months. With this improvement and our standing as the primary Mediterranean port to supply onshore energy provide, we’re well-positioned to make sure sustainable development on this sector. Along with our cruise services, Valletta Cruise Port issued a request for proposals for the Outdated Energy Home in December, and by mid-February, we are going to launch a public tender for the event of the Atrium automotive park. 2025 is shaping as much as be an thrilling 12 months.”
Deputy Prime Minister Borg and Minister Bonett had been joined by Malta Tourism Authority CEO Carlo Micallef, Transport Malta CEO Kurt Farrugia and Chief Officer and Harbour Grasp Capt. Fritz Farrugia.