Gonzi sings Malta's praises at ABTA conference: follow it on Twitter here

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi sang Malta’s praises today at the convention for the Association of British Travel Agents in St Julian’s.

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He said Malta had achieved a 12% increase in tourists arrivals and a 20% increase in expenditure up to August 2010.

“Malta’s tourism industry depends on our capacity to re-invent ourselves as a tourism destination. Registering 12% and 20% growth in tourism arrivals and expenditure in the first eight months over a year ago are the result of key strategic decisions. They are the result of turning challenges into opportunities for growth.

Gonzi said that diversifying Malta’s tourist base was a priority and that the island was “successfully” moving away from the traditional sea and sun label Malta was traditionally known for.

“Our attention is now focused on improving our existing product. We are investing heavily in our heritage and historical sites not only in preservation projects but also in regeneration. Government has commissioned Renzo Piano to design a new entrance to Valletta, regenerate and develop the old opera house ruins and build a new parliament. This project, together with a number of other restoration and urban regeneration projects, will usher in a new renaissance for our Capital City,” Gonzi said.

Malta’s accessibility from the United Kingdom has increased considerably in 2010 with a number of new routes being offered from across the country.

Gonzi said that together with the successful development of a cruise liner terminal, Malta had increased accessibility through the interplay of legacy and low-cost carriers.

“We are committed to continue increasing our accessibility. The livelihood of the tourism industry depends on the ease of accessibility to our country.”