Addressing the prize-giving ceremony for the Rolex Middle Sea Race the Minister for Tourism Dr Edward Zammit Lewis said that Malta offers a safe haven for yachtsmen from all over the world. Malta’s reputation as a nautical destination has been greatly enhanced by the continuous development of our yacht marinas as well as the related ancillary activities provided to the yachting and nautical community in general.
In terms of our coastal tourism offer, the Minister for Tourism noted that Government directed efforts toward the regeneration of our harbours and surrounding areas, as well as the sustainable use of our maritime and coastal heritage for tourism purposes.
As a touristic destination, and potentially as a home for yachtsmen, Malta may consider itself privileged to possess and display the dual nature of a Mediterranean island destination along with a rich and vibrant urban dimension, noted Dr Zammit Lewis.
“Government aims to maintain Malta in a leading position on the international yachting map along with its reputation, competitiveness and lengthy tradition as a yachting destination. We are focused to promote Malta as a high-quality tourism destination, reaping the advantage of our islands’ unique and distinct features, particularly the diversity of tourism experiences our islands can offer”, stated the Minister for Tourism.
Minister Zammit Lewis also acknowledges the great potential of Sports Tourism as an increasingly growing segment. “The Maltese islands are being promoted as suitable destinations for a number of outdoor activity holidays such as diving, yachting and sailing. We strongly believe in the Maltese Islands as ideal destinations where sports and outdoor activities can be practiced all year round”.
In his concluding remarks the Minister for Tourism Dr Edward Zammit Lewis said that the success of the 37th edition of Rolex Middle Sea Race has been a collective effort, and thanked all those who were and are still involved to make it happen whilst congratulating all the participants, and especially the crews of the Rambler 88 who have won the Monohull Line Honours, Maserati who won the Multihull Line Honours and the Overall Winner – Mascalzone Latino.
