Valletta Cruise Port celebrates 20th anniversary

Valletta Cruise Port, a subsidiary of Global Ports Holding, celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Stephen Xuereb, COO of Global Ports Holding plc and CEO of Valletta Cruise Port plc said: “I am so proud to have been part of this company since inception and to have led it over the past eight years. It has been an eventful journey with plenty of milestones along the way. The early days allowed us to return a formerly neglected historical site to its majestic state such as Grand Master Pinto himself intended back in 1752. There is a success story to tell also on the cruise operations side with year-on-year growth, with the large majority of cruise companies now being regular callers to our islands. We have gradually increased our passenger movements from 260,000 to over 900,000 in 2019, and we are now strategically placed as one of the top Mediterranean ports-of-call and a flourishing homeport. Valletta Cruise Port has carved a name for itself in the industry and this is thanks to the support and commitment of all stakeholders. Special thanks go to the directors and shareholders of Global Ports Holding, AX Group and Excelsior Hotel Floriana, management and staff – past and present, and all our industry partners and stakeholders who are all part of this success.”

As part of the celebrations Valletta Cruise Port held a party within the historic Magazino Hall with various stakeholders in attendance.

During the event, 19 staff members who have provided 10, 15 and 20 years of service to the company received a gift in appreciation of their loyalty and commitment.

Guests were treated to a photography exhibition by Davide Degano, showcasing photos of the Valletta Cruise Project, in what was formerly the engine room of the first Power House in Malta, opened exclusively for the evening. The photos are a prelude to an upcoming publication that will showcase Valletta Cruise Port’s milestones and achievements through photography and anecdotes.

Attendees also received a numbered and individually signed print of a commissioned painting of the Valletta Waterfront by local artist Jacqueline Agius. As a key Maltese destination, the award-winning Valletta Waterfront destination remains true to Valletta Cruise Port’s original mission statement, that of “being a prime leisure and entertainment destination by portraying an image of excellence throughout every aspect of the project”.