MEDIA

04 Apr 2019

An increase in calls by Costa Cruises to Valletta Cruise Port

Costa Cruises a pioneer in the cruise industry, delivering an astounding passenger experience, will be increasing its number of calls to Valletta in 2020.

A press conference was held aboard the Costa Fascinosa to launch the Malta-to-Malta cruises aboard Costa Cruises’ ships, with 32 departures operated from late March to early November 2020.

Costa Cruises’ Sales and Marketing Director, Alessandro Bottaro showcased the growth of the cruise line along its 71-year history, also highlighting the growth plans of the cruise industry until 2027. Costa Cruises embraces the values of warm hospitality, innovation, diversity and enrichment putting Italian living at the fulcrum of the guest experience.

Michael Abele, Group Commercial Director of Orange Cruises gave detailed information about the itinerary of the Malta-to-Malta cruises of both 2019 and 2020.

Costa Cruises is an esteemed caller to Valletta bringing over 474,000 passenger movements on circa 200 calls between 2014 and 2018. Stephen Xuereb, CEO of Valletta Cruise Port and COO of Global Ports Holding, commented, “We are pleased that after an absence of four years, Costa will be re-introducing calls in Q3 of 2020. This means that in 2020, we will be welcoming circa 110,000 passenger movements aboard a total of 37 calls as compared to 38,000 passenger movements aboard 18 calls in 2019”.

The Hon. Konrad Mizzi, Minister for Tourism highlighted that the cruise industry positively impacts the local economy, being comprised of a cluster of activities and subsectors. More than 800,000 passenger movements are expected be hosted by Valletta Cruise Port in 2019. Furthermore, he highlighted that the Ministry together with the participation of stakeholders is actively working on a “Vision 2025”, a new strategy for the tourism industry including the cruise sector, with this vision being finalised by end of year.