The port of Valletta in Malta is to get a cruise terminal to handle 2,000 passengers per hour as part of a massive $27m harbour-front development.
The project, a mix of public and private finance, is due to be completed in three years.
London-based director of the Malta Tourist Office Jeffrey Cutajar said: “Having a fast throughput of 2,000 passengers, which is close to a full shipload, is definitely a bonus.
“One thing cruise liners hate is unnecessary bottlenecks with passengers.
“They run to a strict timetable, spending just 48hrs in a place. We have always been interested in developing this part of the industry. This adds another string to our bow.”
The Maltese government hopes the terminal will encourage European and US cruise operators to adopt Valletta as their home port – at the moment the town is used mainly as a port-of-call.
This would mean cruises would start or finish in Valletta, with the result that tourists would fly in or out of Malta, increasing the amount of time and money they spend in the country.
The project, which includes a waterfront shopping and entertainment complex and a ferry terminal, is to be built by the Viset consortium, a mix of Maltese, US, French, Spanish and Hong Kong businesses. Work is due to start in November.
P & O Cruises marketing director Carol Marlow said: “We are delighted to hear of the new cruise terminal. It is a development that will undoubtedly contribute to our passengers’ enjoyment of their visit to Malta.”