SPEECH BY THE HON. EDDIE FENECH ADAMI, PRIME MINISTER, AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE HIGH SPEED CATAMARAN, M/V SAN GWANN, AT THE SEA PASSENGER TERMINAL, MARINA PINTO, VALLETTA

This event reminds me of a similar occasion twelve years ago, when I inaugurated Virtu Ferries' high-speed passenger ferry service to Sicily. I must say that, for more reasons than one, it is a pleasure to be back today to inaugurate your company's new high-speed car and passenger service.

It is gratifying to see how one of Malta's major operators in the tourism and maritime transport sector has gone from strength to strength since those early days, and is diversifying and upgrading its services in response to the changing requirements and opportunities of the market.

My Government believes that it is precisely this dynamism and confidence on the part of private sector operators that drives our national strategy for increasing Malta's competitiveness as a leading tourist destination. Events such as that we are celebrating today reinforce that belief.

Virtu Ferries' new service to Sicily will enhance our historical, cultural and commercial ties with our closest European neighbour, Sicily. It will also undoubtedly complement the Malta Tourism Authority's efforts to attract more tourists from Sicily.

Last year, we had just over 20,000 tourist arrivals from Sicily, seventy per cent having travelled by high-speed catamaran. It is anticipated that these numbers will increase as a result of the current advertising campaign being managed jointly by the Malta Tourism Authority and Virtu Ferries.

Car travellers constitute a niche but important market and it will be interesting to monitor developments as a result of this daily, year round service. I am told that the deployment of the San Gwann has been very well received by major European motoring holiday providers, and this augurs well for our industry.

This considerable investment made by Virtu Ferries is a sign of confidence in the future of Malta. A confidence that is shared by many present here today, who collectively make a valid contribution to Malta's industrial and commercial development.

Investment in the latest technology, such as that exemplified by the San Gwann, is the way forward. It is my Government's declared aim to encourage this type of investment.

This state-of-the-art new vessel, registered under the Malta flag and fully compliant with International Maritime Organisation regulations and recommendations, is the sort of message that I like to see our maritime and tourist industry sending.

I wish Virtu Ferries every success in the future.