Hospitality Malta 1 | Page 54

Although it is true that some competing destinations suffered setbacks due to geopolitical instability or other factors , this did not automatically translate into any advantage for the remaining destinations . It is still a matter of convincing potential travellers to choose one ’ s destination and being able to deliver . The results obtained in our key markets as well as many of our emerging markets attest to the fact that our efforts , coupled with those of our trade partners and the local service providers has bore fruit .
Without highlighting any one particular market as being more worthy of praise than any of the others , since each one has its own set of characteristics and potential , allow me to make just one brief reference to the US market . Considered by some to be a gamble due to distance and lack of destination awareness , this market has shown a propensity to grow and yield high quality visitors which makes us confident in its long term sustainability . As we prepare to make our first steps in another new and challenging market – that of China – we hope to be equally successful in tapping this long haul market for Malta .
In the field of MICE , we launched Conventions Malta , an innovative concept aimed at promoting Malta to the lucrative meetings , incentive conference and exhibition sector , with particular emphasis on the association market .
2016 has brought success and achievements in other fields . In the sphere of cruise business , we have seen increased volumes of passengers carried into Grand Harbour by a larger number of vessels . More companies are also using Malta to homeport , opening up the possibilities for flyand-cruise operations which leave more revenues for our islands than those visiting as a port of call .
In the field of MICE , we launched Conventions Malta , an innovative concept aimed at promoting Malta to the lucrative meetings , incentive conference and exhibition sector , with particular emphasis on the association market . With regard to digital media , we continued
The US market has shown a propensity to grow and yield high quality visitor .

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Q1 | 2017
HOSPITALITY MALTA