N. African Unrest - Malta Should Unleash Tourism Campaign - Muscat - Timesofmalta

N. African unrest: Malta should unleash tourism campaign - Muscat - ...
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Sunday, January 30, 2011, 10:54
N. African unrest: Malta should unleash tourism campaign - Muscat
The pyramids, one of the world's most important tourist attractions, have been closed.
Opposition leader Joseph Muscat said today that the government should have already unleashed a massive tourism publicity campaign to draw tourists to Malta in view of instability in North Africa. Millions of tourists had been planning to go to countries such as Tunisia and Egypt, which are major tourism destinations, and Malta should be aggressively promoting its own attractions instead, he said. In this way Malta could enjoy even more tourist arrivals, benefiting its economy, particularly SMEs, Dr Muscat said. Egypt yesterday closed its major antiquities museum in Cairo and placed the Giza pyramids under army guard. Replying to questions in a radio phone-in early last week, the Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Mario de Marco, denied a caller's claim that Malta was not seeing how it could attract tourists which were having to cancel holidays to Tunisia. He said that Malta regretted unrest in neighbouring countries, but pointed out how a major tour operators had re-directed three planeloads of tourists to Malta from the UK. In other comments this morning, Dr Muscat underlined the importance which his party gives to the self employed. He said that the self-employed and small businesses should compete on a level playing field where no abuses were tolerated, such as through imports which were not taxed. He said that a Labour government would give SMEs the space where to work. One problem, he said, was exaggerated bank fees. A report was supposed to have been drawn up, but no progress had been reported. This was an area where the government's administrative action was called for. Dr Muscat referred to the S&P downgrading of Enemalta and said that moves were in hand to create a special purpose vehicle to shoulder Enemalta's massive debt. Dr Muscat said the Labour Party would insist that all such moves should be transparent and people would be held to account. On the euro, Dr Muscat said that he agreed that Malta should shoulder its responsibilities to help other eurozone countries in difficulty in order to support the euro, but only as long as Malta itself found the necessary support should it need it. Unfortunately, the Finance Minister had agreed to wording in a Council of Ministers resolution that said that support for eurozone countries would only come about if a country's problems had an impact on the eurozone as a whole. This, Dr Muscat said, went against Malta's interests - because Malta was small and its problems were hardly likely to impact the eurozone. It was to the credit of Labour MEP Edward Scicluna that this wording had been amended by the European Parliament. He hoped that the government would now take up this amended version and propose it to the other EU government. FINANCE MINISTRY'S REACTION In a reaction, the Finance Ministry said talks within the EU on the stability pact to defend the euro were still in progress and Dr Muscat was therefore wrong in his claims. The Maltese government remained committed to getting the best conditions for Malta, in the same way as Malta had successfully negotiated exemptions of VAT on medicines and food.
71 Comments
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Copyright Allied Newspapers Ltd., printed on - 30-03-2013 - This article is for personal use only, and should not be distributed Joe Xuereb Feb 2nd 2011, 01:46 @Jerry Small(-minded). Yes, we know all about the Benidorm crowd looking for crumpet and throwing up on lager. The Spanish (and the British for that matter) call them lager louts. We in Malta have our own lager louts copying all that is awful of Britishness. For the discerning tourist Malta has ample to offer. As for lager louts living for crumpet, irresponsibly, there is Benidorm. Good luck - you'll need all you can get of that. Prime Minister-in-waiting Dr. Joseph Muscat will be in-waiting forever if he doesn't watch his mouth. It seems that politicians in Malta don't miss a trick when it comes to putting down their opponents. They often do this to their detriment, which diminishes their credibility somewhat.
F J Brincat
Feb 1st 2011, 09:20 It's called business if I am not mistaken.And you calling Joseph Muscat immature...do you know that the Minister for Tourism in Malta was actually gloating at the amount of tourists being diverted to Malta from Tunisia a couple of weeks ago? It was reported in the Times of Malta too.
Robert Agius
Feb 1st 2011, 07:54 Some people think that politics is about being nice and showing solidarity to other nations. That is wishful thinking unfortunately. Worldwide politics is based of opportunism. Now I'm not saying i adhere to such policies. Just merely pointing something out to people who are telling others to grow up.
manuel lia
Jan 31st 2011, 20:12 dik solidarjeta e.........nohdulom it turisti ghax qedin jipprotestaw u jinqatlu ghax xoghol, gustizzja u liberta.....ara vera IMMATUR BIG TIME TA.......biex jghid kliem bhall dan joseph muscat.....young mintoff in the making......maltese beware.......
Anthony Mizzi
Feb 1st 2011, 07:58 Yes Maltese beware...there just could be a more positive year with increases in tourist arrivals if one takes Dr. Muscat's advice.
walter caruana
Jan 31st 2011, 17:51 To compete with Egypt we should print a similar photo adjacent to the one above this article. . What I have in mind will show toursits on donkeys going round Maghatab sur Joseph Muscat
Liam Kelly
Jan 31st 2011, 14:08 Would this be another Tourism campaign like the one Visitmalta and Airmalta launched last time by throwing vast amounts of money at failing english football teams and at stadiums in cities where Air Malta doesn't fly to?... which must have been successful since Air Malta is doing so well now...oh wait... About time people face the fact that the product is the problem, not the other p's.
Anthony Mizzi
Jan 31st 2011, 12:15 Well Done Dr. Muscat for your direction and showing all the way forward. onlyinmalta.com gets the Leader of the Opposition given valid advice and showing the way forward to the Administration of the Country for the benefit of all concerned... Hopefuly for the sake of reason Maltese P.M. and Minister of tourism will take this sound advice. --- A competent leader can get efficient service from poor troops, while on the contrary an incapable leader can demoralize the best of troops. - John J. Pershing
V A Galea
Jan 31st 2011, 09:57 @ Maria Gatt AND @ Mark Gerada A case of split personalities?
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Frances Abela
Jan 31st 2011, 01:17 MALTA......What HISTORY & things to Visit & See. You have to go to the local villages to appreciate all the Food, Festas, etc. Have visited your ISLAND already 3 times & always there is something different to see. I'm Married to a Maltese & from New Zealand. We stay in a hotel always in Sliema as its close to all transport & ferries. Cannot wait to visit again somemtime.
Catherine Desira
Jan 31st 2011, 00:20 If this is what was really said - I can only exclaim how inconsiderate and insensible. This party is just getting worse by the seconds.
Jon Agius
Jan 31st 2011, 00:04 We must show solidarity with the Egyptian protestors not act as if we don't care. Where are the Americans who are fighting a war in Afghanistan and Iraq for democracy??? Aren't the Egyptians voicing their concern about democracy? Why the Americans aren't helping the protestors who are getting killed by the police? They don't want to lose their ally as President. So it's not true the Americans are fighting for democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan. There's a huge Zionist agenda behind this.
malcolm seychell
Jan 30th 2011, 23:16 On this one I agree 100% with Joseph Muscat Kemm se nilghabuwa tal qaddisin. This is business. If this happened in Malta they would take advantage from our bad situation and there is nothing wrong. I would go a step further and give a discount to those tourists which have their holiday already booked in either tunisia or egypt if they do decide to come here instead. Grow up. Leave politics aside. This can be an opportunity for us to make up for certain sectors of our economy which were not doing so well lately. We are not saying we want war in Tunisia or Egypt, but we should take this as an opportunity.
j.camenzuli
Jan 30th 2011, 18:50 What we want to know is whether this government is providing Air Malta aircraft to evacuate any Maltese still in Eygpt as Turkey and the USA are doing to help their nationals.
Joe Grima
Jan 30th 2011, 17:42 There is no doubt that the current chaotic situation involving Tunisia and Egypt, as the people of these countries rightfully seek better living conditions and a democratic process that has been denied them for decades, is a cause for concern not only to the countries themsleves but to the entire region. Flareups are taking place all over the region and one has no idea where all this will finally stop. Both Tunisia and Egypt are massive receiving tourism countries and, r ight now, tour operators will falling over one another's feet as they scramble to offer alternative destinations to clients who will have already booked holidays in these troubled countries. So far the Government seems to be in slumber, oblivious of what is happening in these counbtries insofar as tourism opportunities are cropping up by the minute . Now is the time for a concerted campaign in the counrtries that send most visiitors to Egypt and Tuinsia to attract their clients to Malta with special offers.. We have not heard that anything is haoppening in this regard. If we are going to open the gates we should not do so after the birds will have flown to other destinations
Marie.Jane.Mellie Canada
Jan 30th 2011, 17:37 We have visited Malta/Gozo once, and i must admit for us English speaking tourists we found it a nice country and well worth a visit at least once, but when i say once to us thats enough as the country is very limited and not much to offer except sun, sea and pehaps slightly cheaper nights, although the majority of the locals are friendly , yes up to a point but to be honest, we did meet the occasional rude person here and there,but on the whole no problems except when one is bargaining at the sunday markets, thats when the true blood of the Maltese shows most, as i think they are very money minded and most would drop dead for a penny, still i honestly think that your speaker in the article can't really poacher for tourists from beautiful Egypt as be fair it has a vast of history to offer , much larger and ofcourse much cheaper in a 5 star hotel all inclusive then a 4 star silver in Malta. i think you guys are trying too hard, most are looking for cheaper holidays and above all cheaper flights & a cleaner envirement-less pollution. Marie J.Mellie
Maria Gatt
Jan 30th 2011, 15:40 @ Mealclaff, I'm sorry to say but it is people who think in this way that keep Malta from 'moving'.
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Entertainment: why mention Bugibba?? Everyone knows that Malta's heart of entertainment is at Paceville. And its not even seasonal, its packed all year round. Maltese Food: what about the fenkata, soppa tal-armla, mqaret, qaghaq tal-ghasel....to mention a few. Real Attraction: the yellow bus? Are you kidding? Malta's weather is the no.1 attraction to begin with. We can be laying by the sea or breathing fresh air from the countryside in mere minutes, we have rich history and heritage at our disposal, our semitic language is unique and can be found nowhere else, and also we are able to offer something to tourists from various nations due to our different rulers in the past . In my opinion, people who are not proud to be Maltese or lack a Maltese identity are the ones hindering tourism.
Mark Gerada
Jan 30th 2011, 14:44 @ Mr. Mealclaff, I am sorry to say, but it is people who think in this way that keep Malta from 'moving'. Entertainment: Why on Earth mention Bugibba when everyone knows that Malta's heart of entertainment is Paceville ?! ? And its not even seasonal, its great all year round ! Food: what about the fenkata, soppa tal- armla, mqarrun, qaghaq tal-ghasel...to mention a few Real attraction : only the yellow bus? Are you kidding? Malta's weather is the no.1 attraction to begin with. We can be laying by the sea or the breathing fresh air from the countryside in mere minutes, we have much rich history and heritage at our disposal AND we are able to offer something to many different nations due to our various rulers in the past. As regards beach nudity, I have seen topless women at beaches and none of them ever got arrested. In my opinion, people who are not proud to be Maltese or lack a Maltese identity are the ones hindering tourism.
Karl Abela
Jan 30th 2011, 14:36 With all his good intentions, Joseph Muscat has no clue. In this case increasing the advertising campaigns is money down the drain because most flight seats are already contracted for summer. Increasing new flight routes is the key to serve this market.
JoeXuereb
Jan 30th 2011, 14:29 This is the problem with MPs who are either lawyers or (medical) doctors - they are not sensitive to much else. And even then..... Joseph Muscat makes tourists sound like they are 'bucket-and-spade' individuals who are after a bit of sand, a bit of sun and beer on tap. Reminds me of one travel agent here in UK who couldn't accommodate my request for a flight to Turkey. She said, why don't you go to Yugoslavia instead? I blew my top off, assertively gave her a piece of my mind and walked out. How condescending can one get? And stupidly self-serving with it. Dr. Muscat is indeed trying (and failing) to gain political mileage out of a disturbing situation abroad. A situation that could so easily arise in Malta. And THEN whither tourism to Malta? I often meet British people familiar with Malta. They wax lyrical about sun and nice people then adding that one can only see so many churches (foreigners are not so taken up with religion) and piles of old stone. I then tell them that Malta is a troubled country and they listen. And sun and piles of anything are not unique to Malta.
Jerry Small
Jan 30th 2011, 14:16 Take over from Egypt somehow i do not think so,Malta has nothing much to offer, its a nice country but one can see it all in just 2 days, after that, we seen it all done it all, but its toooooo Small my friend. its cheaper to invest in a vedio of the heritage of malta and leave the rest to the big boys, as places like Egypt Pyramids and all, Spain Benedorm etc., are more competitive. In all i would say from experience although its a nice little weeny island, but more suited for the older generation you know the pensioners and not people of my own age in the 30's.age group and always looking for crumpet and lager.
M.Cachia
Jan 30th 2011, 17:47 2 Days really?? Have you seen the 1. Victoria Lines 2, De redin Towers 3. The three cities and thier variety of palaces 4. Fort St. Elmo 5. Fort st.Angelo 6. The Co-cathedral (Contains the largest and only signed Caravaggio in the world btw) 7. The Cathedral 8. Valletta with it's variety of palaces and museums not least the armory (one of the finest collections in Europe) 9. Mdina including the Cathedral Museum 10. St Pauls
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Catacombs 11. St. Agatha's Catacombs 12. Ramla il-Hamra Beach 13. Ghajn Tuffieha 14, The Citadella 15. Ggantija 16. The Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni (Only one in the world btw) 17. The Tarxien Temples (oldest stone building on earth btw) 18. Von Brockdorf Circle 19. Ghar Dalam (Contains extinct species only ever seen on these islands btw) 20. Blue Grotto etc etc etc (many times over) Apart from visiting and the variety of small villages and partaking in the number of feats, traditions and rituals that make up Mlatese life. Me thinks you are either a tourist who can't be bothered (and hencforth will be bored anywhere and everywhere) or one who wouldn't know culture if it hit him with a stick.
Corinne Vella
Jan 30th 2011, 14:08 For once in his life, prospective prime minister Muscat should take informed advice before shooting his mouth off. Too much small minded thinking is a dangerous thing.
Muscat Pat
Jan 30th 2011, 19:20 Trying to diminish Joseph Muscat,s argument by name calling- simply means you are an intellectually dishonest person. Please grow up.
Corinne Vella
Feb 7th 2011, 15:24 Joseph Muscat had no argument and no names were called. The intellectual dishonesty is yours but you can only fool yourself.
Els Over de Linden

Jan 30th 2011, 13:51 Wow you just cannot compete my friend first of all you people in Malta just haven't got the resources of what Egypt and larger resorts have to offer and secondly most are still rather in the early stages oh how to treat the tourists, in my case, bad mannerism by the local bus drivers and another comes to mind the way we used to be pulled by the arms more or less in a place called bugiba i think, to sit down and have a meal then herded out like sheep after the pay , in Egypt we had a lush hotel for less then half the price Malta IS offering and also the cost of AirMalta flights from my home town in the Netherlands are way above an average airline, so no no thanks, don't call us we'll call you Maybe(?) in time
Leslie Sharp
Jan 30th 2011, 13:36 Dream on Pal, before you guys can attract and increase the toursts from another country you must first get your house in order, clean up and improve the standard of accommodation and above all match up prices with what Egypt has to offer for a 5 ***** all in as compared with Malta. L.Sharp UK
FOates
Jan 30th 2011, 13:18 @M.Mealclaff - i don't know whether you are a resident or a tourist but i'm afraid you are totally wrong. What has Malta got to offer? A lot if you ask me especially for the discerning visitor interested in history. I am a seasoned traveller and have been to Spain and Egypt among a lot of other worldwide countries and there is no place on earth where all the sites are within easy reach like in Malta. Watch last week's Sir Trevor Macdonald's programme abot the Mediterranean and you will see what I mean. Moreover climate and people are more important than going topless on the beach! I promote my country to all the fellow travellers I meet and have had nothing but praise
Anthony Farrugia
Jan 30th 2011, 12:37 Is that his best idea ? Hmmm our buddy-buddy relationship with Muammar could be drawback.
M Bugeja
Jan 30th 2011, 12:36 Yep. Somewhat insensitive, but none the less, Dr Muscat has had one of his rare moments of brilliance here. But let's keep in mind that quality> quantity, so perhaps it's time for some extra maintenance, especially in historic places, to ensure that tourists don't feel that they settled for something inferior! As a person who works in the tourism industry in summer, the treatment they receive is appalling, they're treated as merely numbers instead of individuals - one only needs to compare the busdriver-passenger interaction of a maltese and a tourist to understand this. We are Europeans, let us at least try to give an impression of sophistication. He also has a point wrt Eurozone wording: as it is, we are definitely vulnerable, unless some clause is introduced to help out other small but really really important place like Luxembourg first.
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Keep this up, Dr. Muscat, and build on it (concrete proposals backed up with facts etc). You might just win some of those elusive floating votes yet.
Charles.C.Brown
Jan 30th 2011, 12:35 I couldnt believe it when i read about the leader of the opposition comment to unleash a tourism campaign and take advantage of the unrest in north africa. I dont know exactly how long he has been a leader of the MLP but i dont remember him once asking the government to advertise Malta abroad more then its being advertised at present, he had to wait for such a tragic situation . No wonder that the opposition in Malta is being treated as a voice in the wilderness!!
M Mealclaff
Jan 30th 2011, 12:33 Malta Compete with the Pyramids ? LOL I think not. Over and Over I have said that Malta has not a Clue on how to attract Tourists. What has Malta to offer ? In comparison to Spain, Egypt etc. Take entertainment for example: In Malta in the Bugibba it usually consists of a Man with an Electric Piano singing ' tie a Yellow ribbon round the old oak tree'..Whilst getting Ripped of at the Bar or Short Changed. Food in Malta is often more expensive than UK. Maltese Food is Virtually Non Existent ( apart from Pastizzi). The one Real Attraction is the old Malta Bus..which is soon to go..so we have even less to offer. AS for Adult entertainment: LOL.. And of course..If you your a woman and like to go topless on the beach ..You risk being arrested..same goes if you like to smoke a Joint. No I'm afraid Malta has not a clue on how to attract tourists. Other Countries Like spain etc have always kept up to date in these matters and moved with the Times...Malta hasn't moved at all.
Karl Magro
Jan 30th 2011, 13:03 To M Mealcaff, surely you dont know the true Malta, What about our great heritage, our Weather, Our Scenic Views, Our Churches, Our Mdina and Our Capital City Valletta, And Our Sister Island Gozo.... you think that everyone wants to go to a country to smoke a joint, stay topless on a beach and go to adult places? what the hell...
Bob Gauci
Jan 30th 2011, 13:05 Mr Mealclaff - are you British? I am sure you can search (if you can spell) and find a lot more than Bugibba in Malta Valletta and Mdina come to mind! Our 7000 years of history are all represented on the island with endless attractions. Are you upset that the British occupation did not destroy the people and pride of a Nation as in other occupied territories. I actually think the British though Malta had too much historical heritage especially when the planted the old cannons on the water fonts to tie ships and boats too! I also came across Cannons from from Malta as far away as Sterling Castle in Scotland. You might be quite advanced in age, but it is never too late to learn something new next time you decide to visit Bugibba! Ty a Qassata next time too! What is the synonym to Gahan in English now?
Sammy Ciantar
Jan 30th 2011, 13:50 Are you serious? because if you are, you definetly need a lot of help my friend; you need someone to teach you a bit of world history to learn what this tiny island has to offer; And what we have in our museums is ours and always was and not stolen from other countries and now is being exhibited in our museum; you also need someone to teach you about food to learn about the wonderful diversity of Maltese cuisine, so if you're english, that's very ironic as fish & chips is basically all you know about; when it comes to entertainment, I think the problem about this country is that there's too much talent for the size of the island and we will see the difference when so called entertainers come here from england, only to make a fool out of themselves; if you go to Qawra Bugibba you know exactly what I mean; about the other things you mentioned, if you are looking for those things, well, over here we need tourists of a better quality and standard; happy holidays!
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S. Zammit
Jan 30th 2011, 14:03 You virtually have no idea what you are talking about are you? In Malta there are some of the oldest free-standing structures (a good 500-1000years older than the pyramids), magnificent Cathedrals and Churches. Imdina has been restored quite nicely even though there is some work still to be done, Valletta is just as rich. Nightlife if you are young you would definitely go to Paceville, admittedly Bugibba is dead in Winter. Maltese food I won't even bother to start, it's plain obvious you never bothered to check. Your statement regarding pastizzi is like going anywhere in Italy and saying that only pizza is their signature food. Marijuana will get you arrested in France, Finland, Sweden and other countries where it is specifically illegal - you would still get away with it in Malta if you have with you an amount which is considered only for personal use. I'm afraid you have no clue what you are talking about.
Wilfred Camilleri
Jan 30th 2011, 15:10 What does tourism have to do with women going topless on the beach and smoking a joint? Unbelievable that this is what you think tourism is all about! Malta has a lot to offer to tourists. It may not be as big as Egypt or Spain but tourism is not always about quantity. Many tourists who visit Malta love the idea that they can find so much history and culture in a small island where they don't have to travel for hours at an end to find it.
Jesmond Micallef
Jan 30th 2011, 16:07 Why not propose some constructive suggestions then, rather then negatively criticising while laughing at it too !!
Christian Sciberras
Jan 30th 2011, 16:11 That's the whole darn point: Malta can't compete with the pyramids, except when the pyramids ARE CLOSED!!
Andrew Farrugia
Jan 30th 2011, 12:22 I have some reservations about the connotations of using words like "unleash" and "massive" in the context of the current international situation. I do not believe that Malta is in any position to unleash anything, whether this be massive or puny!
Bob Gauci
Jan 30th 2011, 12:16 Is this the PLs Tourism policy!!! Where is Karmenu Vella... please clarify these sporadic ideas! Dr. Muscat has no idea hot tourism works! Has he ever met Tour Operator contractors, does he know that you need to win trust if you take advantage and plunder other misfortunes it will all come back to you. This Mintoff style politics is dangerous, it is scary to see that even though we are in the EU, our proximity to the Arab world sees the potentials of a Maltese Ben Ali or Mubarak, or Gaddafi for all that can be.
Robert Agius
Feb 1st 2011, 07:59 Oh! such as Libya, with all it's oil reserves, did to Malta a few decades back?
Martin Cassar
Jan 30th 2011, 11:57
@ Annalise Falzon. Why surprised? This goes to confirm again that all what you hear about Europes solidarity is empty words. Do you remember Switzerland-Libya Visa spat of last May?
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The EU and Europes slogans about solidarity will evaporate the minute an important business opportunity is put at risk.. Regretfully, Identical sanctimony shared with the other side of the Atlantic! They speak peace but act wars. They promote human rights and at same time manufacture and sell torture equipments to dictators!! http://euobserver.com/9/29699/?rk=1 http://euobserver.com/9/31718/?rk=1
Christian Sciberras
Jan 30th 2011, 16:21 Wait, so you expect the EU to show solidarity towards a nation which didn't do anything better than blackmail the EU all the time? Hmm, you sure follow Christ's teachings to the letter...
ray micallef
Jan 30th 2011, 11:46 publicity campaign should already have started.the next few weeks are critical for holiday reservations.one only needs to look at other counties to see their advertising campaigns on all the major foreign news stations.the same thing happened when the balkan war was on back in the 90 s.malta experienced a boom in tourism then.its just being relastic and pragmatic.
Joseph Borg
Jan 30th 2011, 11:42 OK this is our opportunity to build pyramids not bridges. and we'll need camels ... don't forget the camels.
Christian Sciberras
Jan 30th 2011, 16:22 Good one mate! Keep 'em coming. Tip: The crap they threw at Dwejra looks quite similar to hardened desert sand, should be of use somewhere...!
Luke Buttigieg
Jan 30th 2011, 11:23 You have a point Muscat, not often that I say that. Would be great to see the government working harder to take advantage of foreign messes
J Attard
Jan 30th 2011, 11:45 Well said, take advantage of the moment . Still we share our solidarity with the north African countries. What you want this summer an influx of tourists spending money in our economy or a tsunami of north Africans looking for refuge in Malta.....
M.Bezzina
Jan 30th 2011, 11:50 But what Muscat pointed out is something good that our economy will benefit from it so yes we should agree on that point!!
A Camilleri
Jan 30th 2011, 11:22 Absolutely unbelievable. Instead of compassion and solidarity, the 'socialist' leader sees a business opportunity. Is this the man we might have as a premier in a few years?
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D. Camilleri
Jan 30th 2011, 11:43 Dr. Muscat's recommendations are in view of the nation decline in the tourism industry; notwithstanding the fact that this has long been one of our economic piers from which many families earn their income. Mr A. your comments seems to be much more unbelievable.
Annalise falzon
Jan 30th 2011, 12:10 @ D Camilleri. You must be blinded like some others. You are not realising the implication of what you and Mr Muscat are saying. If you recommend something like this in view of the decline of tourism you do it for just that reason - not to instigate more egoistic and irresponsible behaviour. He need not have mixed the two issues - that is all. The tiny people of this tiny country are so self-absorbed they will never allow their own minds to open up and encompass compassion for all.
Charles Micallef
Jan 30th 2011, 11:22 Malta should unleash tourism campaign....................... but what is more important, is that we look after them when they are here, to ensure that they will return!
D Pace
Jan 30th 2011, 11:22 I am no Nationalist... but taking advantage of other people's undermined freedom and security is downright selfish and shameful!
N.Grima
Jan 30th 2011, 11:21 But I see your trueeee colooooours
E Mifsud
Jan 30th 2011, 11:20 If we do not take economic advantage of the unrest in north Africa, someone else will and we'll be the ones to lose out on such a opportunity. This is what happened during the war in former Yugoslavia, we had a Tourism boom. What's wrong in promoting our country to sustain our main economic lifeline, clearly, Tourism?
m borg
Jan 30th 2011, 11:19 Full marks for insensitivity
P Agius
Jan 30th 2011, 11:19 I just cannot beleive what I'm reading this morning......Are you serious Joseph? This is Egypt'golden moment.....We have to stand with this nation and show them solidarity.... By taking an opporunity in this way makes you more thatcheriterian n than Magaret Thatcher herself... The only difference is that you're supposed to be Progressive
Charles Vella
Jan 30th 2011, 11:17 Mr. Muscat, first of all, the number of tourists coming to Malta has increased ALOT since the past week and secondly Malta is still being promoted, like it has been on TV channels such as Sky Movies, Sky News, Living in the UK... and also on German TV! ...our adverts on TV and bill boards are there... Secondly at this time one should sympatize at what's going on in Egypt & Tunisia, countries which are our neighbours, and NOT take an advantage of whats going on & what they are feeling to continue to 'steal' what is theirs! Remember that in the 1970's duing Camp David these people where BACKSTABBED... NOW it's time for them to rise and GET back what is rightfully THEIRS!! God Bless Egypt and it's people!
Conrad Vella
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Jan 30th 2011, 11:17 Mhux Hekk!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then when all calms down and we have a meeting with the new leaders of these countries, we go posing as close friends. Hallina Dr. Muscat. Try and attract these tourists, yes, but do it discreetly, as has already been done. Another case of political immaturity................pity that the so called new labour leader is just a younger version of his predecessors, when we used to wait for announcements like these on a weekly basis.
Victor Fiorini
Jan 30th 2011, 11:10 Is this guy for real? Please tell me this is a joke...
Charles Micallef
Jan 30th 2011, 11:34 Political feelings apart.................., This is what other resorts do, they constantly evaluate such situations and as cold as is sounds try to benefit from such situations, after all if tourists do not go to Eygpt or Tunisia, they will still travel to other destinations for their holidays, so why not Malta & Gozo?
Murry Galea
Jan 30th 2011, 18:44 No fear Fiorini its a joke, april 1st has come early this year just like spring.
C Ellul
Jan 30th 2011, 11:06 Quality before quantity PLEASE!!!!
Annalise Falzon
Jan 30th 2011, 11:03 Unbelieveable! Is this the solidarity which our nation wants to offer? Can we only think of taking advantage of unrest in our neighbouring countries? How can someone PROMOTE tourism in the same context of death and oppression?
A Cardona
Jan 30th 2011, 11:26 Yes you are right. Your argument makes perfect sense.In fact i was thinking that it would be proper in the name of solidarity that all of us stop eating as there are african kids dying everyday due to lack of food. While in the topic, we can also stay out in the streets because of refugees in war torn african countries and even earthquake survivors in Aquilla Italy for example. Solidarity with everyone and throughout!
gcForte
Jan 30th 2011, 11:44 @ Annalise Falzon............Qeghdha tirraguna hazin. Parti kbira mit tort li it - Tunezija grala li grala ghax ippruvat tkisser lil pajjizi Mediterranji fosthom Malta, billi hadmet is settur tat turismu bix xejn. Jigifieri ippreferit li thaddmu bit telf, sabiex tattira u tiehu it turist ewropej lejn it Tunezija. Meta tqis li ghad hawn min, lilna ihhallatna ma pajjizi Arab ( bir rispett kollu ), ghandha tinfetah kampanja sabiex nuru li waqt li nirrispettaw lil pajjizi Arab kollha, specjalment tan Nord, nuru li ahna Ewropej, u li sa issa ma hawnx inkwiet. X`fiha hazin din.
Annalise falzon
Jan 30th 2011, 12:03 @ A Cardona. You are perfectly out of point. One does not stop a country because another is in difficluty but one certainly should NOT use a difficult situation to profit his own pockets!! The tourism campaign is an ongoing one - why should it be UNLEASHED suddenly due to hardship overseas? Mr Muscat is a leader and should make comments such as these with much more attention and care especially when countries are in such delicate situations. So imagine if we were to have a huge oil spill disaster here in Malta and some leader in a neighbouring country goes to press as saying - HURRY HURRY Malta is drowning in oil this is wonderful for us as we can now take their 1 million tourists. These thoughts are sick. @ gcForte - anqas se nindenja nwiegeb kumment tant razzist bhal tieghek.
LVella
Jan 30th 2011, 12:53
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30/03/2013 21:21
Ridiculous. First of all, tourism isn't going to be promoted in the same context of death and oppression. We'll just promote our country without even mentioning tunisia and egypt, only much more than usual. Common sense and the prevailing instinct of self preservation will do the rest. Secondly, the tourism campaign should be unleashed when there is trouble overseas because it's a golden opportunity for malta to make some money. We're not making they're situation any worse, we're simply redirecting tourists who definitely will not be going on holiday there. Just in case you haven't noticed, our country ALWAYS thrives on the misfortune of others due to our position in the mediterranean. And I'm sure anyone with failing businesses agrees with Joseph Muscat. It's about time everyone stops this holier than thou attitude and starts getting real.
Robert Agius
Feb 1st 2011, 08:08 What has Malta go to do with what is happening in N. Africa? Fact is tourists are not going there anytime soon but despite this, tourists will NOT show solidarity by not travelling, will they? So should be point our fingers only to those giving a choice where to travel? Do you think other nations in this 'holy' world are not planning anything for their tourism industry in such scenarios? Do you blame me is I offer you a piece of cake and you eat the whole cake even though you are on a diet?
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30/03/2013 21:21

N. African Unrest - Malta Should Unleash Tourism Campaign - Muscat - Timesofmalta

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Sunday, January 30, 2011, 10:54