Tourism Minister meets French Travel Trade

Minister for Tourism Mr Karmenu Vella who was accompanied by Air Malta and NTOM Officials, has returned from a visit to France, during which he had various meetings with the Paris press and travel trade. Close to half of the 70,000 French arrivals to Malta originate from the French capital and its surroundings. The two sides discussed how they can improve and facilitate the flow of French tourists to Malta.

In Paris, Minister Vella also visited the offices of the NTOM and Air Malta, and together with national airline officials, held talks with the Accor Group, the world's fourth largest hotel group. Members of the French travel trade press were also invited to a press conference given by Minister Vella, during which he outlined Malta's priorities as regards the development of its tourism product. He also referred to the activities planned for 1998, to celebrate the 200th anniversary since the arrival of the French in Malta.

Minister's Vella stay in Paris included a meeting with the French Director of Tourism, Mr Hughes Parrant, who was briefed of Malta's aspirations in relation to the French tourism market. Mr Parrant pledged support to Malta's efforts to improve its tourism product, including the availability of experts on various aspects of Malta's cultural and historical heritage, and the provision of uniforms for historical re-enactments.

Minister Vella also went to Nice, visiting the resort's fully-serviced yacht marinas, which could serve as a model for the development of the Vittoriosa sea-front.