Malta Welcomes 2010 Tourists
Holidaymakers from the UK have been a mainstay of Malta tourism for many years
. With the world economy being what it is, tourism in general is in flux not only in Malta, but everywhere. The emphasis on retaining the British market, which has always accounted for the largest percentage of the entire tourist industry in Malta, is more imperative than ever.It's not that British tourists need reasons for making Malta their holiday destination. The two countries share many cultural similarities. Taking holidays in Malta is almost like going home for many Brits. This creates a level of comfort for British tourists that is not always found in other venues.
Language for one thing is a major attraction. While the official language in the country is Maltese, nearly 90 percent of the residents speak English. It is taught in Maltese schools from very early grades on, so natives of the country are very comfortable speaking the language. That makes the transition to spending time in a foreign country almost seamless for British tourists.
Little things, like using the same driving rules in Malta as they do in the U.K., add to the seamlessness of acclimating to a foreign country. For visitors to any country, there can be a tremendous amount of stress associated with observing the country's rules of the road. While it may seem a small thing, it can definitely lessen the excitement and pleasure of being on holiday. British visitors have no driving hurdles to overcome when they arrive.
But even with the home away from home feeling that has been a major attraction for British tourists, the economy has thrown the proverbial monkey wrench into the mix. In particular the decline of the Euro in comparison to the dollar has created problems for the Maltese tourism industry. Families looking for value and savings in their holiday choices are considering other venues. They are also opting for so called "staycations," choosing to stay home for their holidays instead of packing up and going abroad.
The long and the short of it is that the Maltese tourist industry must make extra efforts to bring tourists to Malta. It is especially intent on maintaining the British presence. Part of the problem is an old one that has become more problematic because of the state of the economy. Malta has long had an infrastructure problem. The country needs to upgrade its ability to service a greater number of tourists.
The combination of the need for more hotels and greater access to the island and all of the infrastructure problems associated with that is not helping to increase tourism. New hotels and especially more four and five star facilities would be a great addition to the tourist industry. But new hotels mean upgrading power and water supplies and improving the highway system. All of this requires sizable investments by the government and private industry. Securing investments is made trickier because the economy is so sluggish.
Nevertheless the tourist industry recognizes that it is extremely important to maintain a sizable British presence among holiday visitors. Everyone seems committed to doing whatever can be done to make that happen.
Happily for British tourists, the attention paid to keeping them happy as an inducement to return time and again makes for a very pleasant situation. Malta has sufficient tourist attractions to grow their tourism industry. Whether tourists are interested in warm, sunny beaches, vibrant city life, exploring the countryside, a varied cuisine or exciting cultural offerings, Malta can provide them all. As either a first time destination or a return destination, Malta should be among the top choices for tourists who thrive in a Mediterranean ambiance for this summer.
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