Significant drop in cruise passengers worrying tourism operators

In light of NSO statistics revealing an annual 8.7% decrease in cruise liner passengers, numerous tourism operators and industry stakeholders have "worryingly" voiced their concerns on the annual decrease in passengers, Sunday newspaper ILLUM reveals.

Following years of records, 2013 saw a significant decrease in cruise passengers, statistics which according to a spokesperson for the Tourism Ministry were expected and attributable to an operator's decision.

Official National Statistics Office (NSO) statistics revealed that between October and December 2013 there was a decrease of 11,450 tourists when compared with the corresponding period in 2012.

Speaking to Sunday newspaper ILLUM, the ministry spokesperson said the drop in figures was mainly due to MSC's decision to stop using Malta a port of call in its cruises.

The decision of the cruise company sent shockwaves around the industry as an annual drop of 140,000 passengers was reported during 2013.

Despite being expected, ILLUM reveals that several tourism operators, particularly those based in Valletta, have met the drop in figures with uncertainty and worry.

"Tourism operators and stakeholders have become accustomed to increases within the industry, but 2013 saw a significant drop in figures. Consequently, tourism operators hope that the government implements measures to offset these worrying statistics," a Valletta-based restaurant owner told the Sunday newspaper.

On the other hand, PN Tourism spokesperson Robert Arrigo told ILLUM that in laying sound foundations, previous Nationalist administrations ensured that the tourism industry would keep going strong and post good results.

"In spite of the decrease in cruise liner passengers, the tourism industry will keep posting good results for the time being," Arrigo argued.

"However, we will have to wait and see how the government intends to offset these statistics," he continued.

Read more in today's edition of ILLUM.