Government determined to keep Malta in pole position as a nautical tourism destination
Addressing the prize-giving ceremony for the Rolex Middle Sea Race yesterday, Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis said that Malta offers a safe haven for yachtsmen from all over the world. The country’s reputation as a nautical destination has been greatly enhanced by the continuous development of our yacht marinas as well as the related ancillary activities provided to the yachting and nautical community in general.
In terms of Malta’s coastal tourism offering, Dr Zammit Lewis noted that the government had directed efforts towards the regeneration of our harbours and surrounding areas, as well as the sustainable use of our maritime and coastal heritage for tourism purposes.
As a tourist destination, and potentially as a home for yachtsmen, Malta may consider itself privileged to possess and display the dual nature of a Mediterranean island destination along with a rich and vibrant urban dimension, said Dr Zammit Lewis.
“The government aims to maintain Malta in a leading position on the international yachting map along with its reputation, competitiveness and lengthy tradition as a yachting destination. We are focused on promoting Malta as a high-quality tourism destination, reaping the advantage of our islands’ unique and distinct features, particularly the diversity of tourism experiences they can offer”, he said.
Dr Zammit Lewis also acknowledged the considerable potential of sports tourism as an increasingly growing segment. “The Maltese islands are being promoted as suitable destinations for a number of outdoor activity holidays such as diving, yachting and sailing. We strongly believe in the Maltese Islands as ideal destinations where sports and outdoor activities can be practiced all year round.”
He made the point that the success of the 37th Rolex Middle Sea Race had been a collective effort, and thanked all those who were – and still are –involved to make it happen, while congratulating all the participants and especially the crews of the Rambler 88, which won the Monohull Line Honours, Maserati, which won the Multihull Line Honours and the Overall Winner – Mascalzone Latino.