Minister for Tourism Dr. Michael Refalo welcomes Star Airlines in Malta

Minister for Tourism, Dr. Michael Refalo, welcomed Star Airlines' decision to fly 180 executives representing France's top tour-operating companies as the occasion gave Malta's tourism the opportunity to renew acquaintance with many who already send their clients to the Maltese Islands and introduce others, albeit briefly, to a little of what Malta has to offer.

The Minister said that the Malta Tourist Office in Paris was one of the first which the National Tourism Organization of Malta clearly demonstrating Malta's long and continued interest in the French market. Air Malta operates scheduled flights from three points of departure and Malta' open skies policy is an open invitation to French airlines to invest in parallel flight operations.

However, Dr.Refalo continued, notwithstanding all the investment and effort which Malta's travel and hospitality sector has undertaken in France, when compared to the millions of French citizens who travel overseas for their holidays and conferences, the annual hosting by Malta of 70,000 or thereabouts, is just scratching the surface.

"We are very much aware that your countrymen and women see Malta and Gozo from many different perspectives. Whether as a destination with a distinct, high profile cultural and historical offer, a venue for language learning, for short breaks and relaxation, our representatives in Malta and in France and the private sector have worked tirelessly to attract a more substantial French visitor presence to our islands."

"I believe that when one offers a competitive product one should rightly expect a stronger degree of partnership and better results. Star Airlines decision to choose Malta as the venue for an incentive to thank their best clients is one encouraging sign that the stronger promotional effort which has been ongoing since 1998, a year which reversed negative trends and took Malta back to 1995 levels, together with the campaigns undertaken this year could reap deserved rewards.

"Malta's performance in the French market from December 1998 to February 1999 has shown a monthly percentage double digit increase in volume. The first indications for March are also encouraging and our Paris Office signals that forward bookings, especially from Paris, are strong. This is also thanks to many of you whose companies already do business with us and I augur that this brief visit to Malta will be the forerunner of more busines for your companies and for our travel and tourism operators. Your success is our success".