Prime Minister inaugurates new EC Central headquarters

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi this morning inaugurated the central offices of English language group EC and congratulated the company for its continued local and international success.

Established in 1991, EC company has grown into a global enterprise with a presence in three continents.

"EC Group is much more than a Maltese company - it is an ambassador of our country, of our people and of our entrepreneurial flair," Gonzi said during the inauguration ceremony.

"As a company, you fly the Maltese flag high transmitting our hospitable nature and our commitment to high standards ... your success is our success."

Gonzi said that Malta's growth as a leading destination for English language teaching has solidified, leading it to mark 5% of the entire tourism industry.

"English language schools have actually attracted to Malta over one million students who are today our tourism ambassadors and many of whom have returned repeatedly," he said.

The prime minister said that such initiatives put Malta on the international map even in countries which are not our regular tourism source markets. 

"In this scenario, we see Government's support to the industry particularly in the regulation and monitoring of the industry to ensure the high quality standards and service we offer as a country," he said. 

"Recognising the important role of host families in Malta's success, my Government continued to increase their income tax rebate to €3,500.  700 families are benefitting."

EC Central outgrew its former offices in Ta'Xbiex, and upgraded to a brand new home in St. Julian's in February of this year.  The size and location of the new headquarters cater to the constantly expanding EC family, which at peak season now includes around 100 staff. In addition to most of the company's Executive function, departments including Sales, Marketing, e-Business, Admissions, Finance, IT, Web Development and Human Resources are also based in Malta.