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Malta’s deputy prime minister heads to Valletta as port logs over 900K passengers in 2024Malta’s deputy prime minister heads to Valletta as port logs over 900K passengers in 2024

The deputy minister of Malta, Ian Borg, visited Valletta Cruise Port where passenger numbers last year surpassed the pre-pandemic peak of 2019.

Holly Payne, Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

January 15, 2025

3 Min Read
Valletta-Cruise-Port-shore-power
Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg (fifth from left) with Valletta Cruise Port CEO Stephen Xuereb and Minister for Transport Chris Bonett (L-R centre-front). They are accompanied by Malta Tourism Authority CEO Carlo Micallef, Transport Malta CEO Kurt Farrugia and Transport Malta Chief Officer & Harbour Master Capt. Fritz Farrugia. PHOTO: PORT OF VALLETTA

More than 940,000 passenger movements were registered at Valletta Cruise Port in 2024 – 4% higher than in 2019, its previous record year. 

During the last 12 months, the Grand Harbour received 357 cruise calls.

It is estimated that cruise ships berthing at the Grand Harbour contribute around €88m to Malta's economy every year, with €38m spent by cruise passengers and another €50m coming from cruise lines.

A visit from the prime minister 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Chris Bonett and Valletta Cruise Port CEO Stephen Xuereb announced these results during a visit to the cruise port this morning.

Borg explained that the government is determined to continue supporting the cruise sector, while improving the overall experience of passengers during their short stop in the Maltese Islands. ‘We want cruise passengers to enjoy their experience and put our country in their bucket list for a longer holiday next time round,’ he said.

‘To achieve this, we need a comprehensive effort by all stakeholders, not only from the private sector, but also from different government entities and authorities.

‘This is why we are collaborating with other ministries to make sure that as a country, we intensify our efforts for a better-quality tourism product in coming years.’ 

Related:2025 Bremerhaven operations off to a promising start

Environment 

Bonett emphasised the strides being made in sustainability through the recent investment in shore power

The Port of Valletta is the first in the Mediterranean to possess the technology, which is expected to cut pollution by 90% for nearby residents by 2030. 

The minister also pointed to the extension of Quay Pinto 4-5, noting that these initiatives underscore the government’s support for the maritime industry and its long-term, sustainable growth. ‘These projects are a clear demonstration of our commitment to balancing economic development with environmental responsibility,’ he stated. 

Xuereb also described Quay Pinto 4-5 as ‘a crucial part of our infrastructure,’ noting, ‘we anticipate its completion within the next year. With this development and our status as the first Mediterranean port to offer onshore power supply, we are well-positioned to ensure sustainable growth in this sector,’ he said.

An authentic Mediterranean experience

‘We are incredibly proud of the record-breaking results achieved in 2024, reflecting the cruise industry’s resilience and swift recovery post-Covid,’ stated Xuereb, attributing the success to the collaboration of various stakeholders – including ministries of tourism and transport, agents, service providers, dedicated personnel, and more.  

He said, ‘Beyond the impressive numbers, we must continue to work towards delivering a smooth and authentic Mediterranean experience for which our Islands are globally renowned.'

Xuereb revealed that ‘in addition to our cruise facilities, Valletta Cruise Port issued a request for proposals for the Old Power House in December, and by mid-February, we will launch a public tender for the development of the Atrium car park,' stating, '2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year.'

About the Author

Holly Payne

Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

Holly is Deputy Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review & Seatrade Cruise News and has experience managing a range of highly successful international business and consumer titles. With a flair for video reporting and a history of overseas work documenting people and places of diverse cultures, Holly brings a variety of skills to the Seatrade Cruise portfolio.

Holly’s academic credentials include oral and written Arabic language skills (intermediate-advanced), an MA Multimedia Journalism with NCTJ accreditation, and a BA (Hons) Degree in Classical and Archaeological Studies with English and American Literature.

 

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