01/07/09, 23:31:47 UTC

  e-mail this article

Hoteliers' investment shows confidence in tourism industry - Minister

di-ve.com

VALLETTA, Malta - The hoteliers' confidence in the tourism industry has never lacked, and this is confirmed by the private sector's investment in the construction of new hotels and the extension or embellishment of existing ones, Minister for Tourism and Culture Francis Zammit Dimech said.

Speaking during a visit to the Excelsior Grand Hotel on Wednesday, the Minister said that 47 projects related to accommodation establishments have been approved for the period running up to 2009.

With an investment of Lm98million (€228million), these projects will increase the bed supply by 6,734 in seven 5-star hotels, 19 4-star hotels, four 3-star hotels, as well as a 2-star hotel, hostels, guesthouses and other complexes.

"Thanks to the work of all those involved in the tourism industry we have managed to make this year a memorable one," Minister Zammit Dimech said as he pointed out that the month of August was one of the best ever to be registered in Malta.

He added that, during the first eight months of the year, the number of tourists increased by 7.6 per cent while their expenditure went up to Lm311.2 million (€724.9 million), an increase of Lm13.7 million (€31.8 million) over the previous year, while cruise liner passengers increased by 24.2 per cent.

The Minister for Tourism and Culture went on to say that, with the opening of the Excelsior Grand Hotel, the bed supply in the 5-star category would be increased by 900 to 7,400 beds in 16 hotels.

He reminded that, in 1999, there were only eight 5-star hotels in Malta for a total of 2,900 beds.

Minister Zammit Dimech said that the new hotel was not only increasing the bed supply, but also adding something unique to the tourism sector thanks to its location overlooking the sea and with the bastions as a backdrop.

 Printable Version  | published Oct 03, 2007