In 2023, Malta welcomed a whopping 900,000 passengers via cruise liners through its picturesque Grand Harbour. That’s right – a jaw-dropping 65% increase from the previous year! Talk about setting records! This surge in cruise tourism didn’t just bring smiles to the faces of tourists; it also gave Malta’s economy a significant boost of €85 million. Yep, you read that right – eighty-five million euros!

Now, let’s break down those numbers. Out of that €85 million, €32 million came from the pockets of cruise passengers, while the cruise lines contributed the remaining €53 million. That’s a whole lot of spending power cruising its way into Malta’s economy, folks!

But wait, there’s more- Malta isn’t just sitting back and basking in the glory of its past successes. Oh no, we’re looking ahead to an even brighter future for our cruise industry. By 2028, we’re aiming to have a whopping 50 different cruise operators working their magic in Malta. And that’s not all – we’re also working on attracting more vessels to make Malta their home port.

So, why should you choose Malta as your next holiday destination? Well, according to Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo, there’s nothing quite like getting a first-hand taste of our beautiful country aboard a cruise ship. And hey, if the cruise experience leaves you wanting more (which it probably will), you might just find yourself planning a more extended stay on our sunny shores.

In a nutshell, Malta’s cruise industry is on fire, and we’re only just getting started! With record-breaking numbers, exciting developments on the horizon, and a whole lot of Mediterranean charm waiting to be discovered, there’s never been a better time to set sail for Malta. So pack your bags, grab sunscreen, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!

Have you ever been on a cruise from Malta? Let us know in the comments below!