A full agenda for World Tourism Day

Malta will celebrate World Tourism Day in style on 27^th September with a full roster of special events. This was stated by Mr. Norman Mifsud, Malta permanent representative of the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) and Director for Mediterranean Tourism Centre.

First established in 1980 by the WTO, the theme for the 1997 World Tourism Day is Job Creation and Environmental Protection. In his address at the eleventh session of the General Assembly of the WTO in Cairo in 1995, the Secretary General sums up the importance of tourism to every country with an established industry "… tourism is increasingly recognised as a driving force, both to create job opportunities and to preserve natural and cultural resources through sustainability."

As a charter member of the WTO, the Government of Malta traditionally observes the annual celebration of World Tourism Day. This year, however, an even more extensive agenda of events has been planned with the full cooperation of the Ministry of Tourism with the specific aim of raising awareness of the importance of tourism to Malta's economy. In addition to the special welcome activities slated for tourists, many events and efforts target the workforce directly involved in some respect of the industry.

Some of the activities scheduled for World Tourism Day include: a special public address by the Hon. Karmenu Vella, Minister of Tourism; announcement banners and billboards in major sites; cancellation postal stamp on World Tourism Day; free entrance to all government museums on the 27^th September;

free entrance to St. John's Museum and the Cathedral; historical re-enactment at Palace Square by NTOM; essay competition for 4^th, 5^th and 6^th Form Students;

welcome drinks and announcement on all Air Malta charter and scheduled flights; a flower to each arriving passenger by MIA; 10% reduction on arrival at duty-free shops in MIA; free transportation by MITA and welcome drink for tourists at the Royal Malta Yacht Club for start of annual round Malta race; Bartenders Guild National Long Drink cocktail competition at the Casino; Malta Culinary Association gastronomic exhibition starting 29^th September; and the MHRA is requesting its members (hotels and restaurants) to offer special menus on this day.

Tourism directly or indirectly affects everyone's life and livelihood in Malta. World Tourism Day is there to remind us that it pays to remember.