For the second year running Valletta Cruise Port bags award during Fitur Madrid
For the second consecutive year, Valletta has been chosen by Spanish-speaking cruisers as
the Best Port of Call Global, an honour awarded during Premios Cruceroadicto 2023 held during
FITUR Madrid 2024 last week. Mark Cauchi Garzia, Deputy GM of Valletta Cruise Port Plc
represented the company during the event.
These awards are the result of an international cruise satisfaction survey taken by the growing
community of Spanish-speaking cruise travellers, who had the opportunity to voice their
favourite cruise line, ship and port experiences during the past year, along with the reason
behind their choices. The voting process consisted of a transparent methodology which enabled
travellers to have the last word based on their personal experiences, with the process relying on
an elaborate automated system that determined the final award-winning categories. To ensure
total objectivity and cleanliness of the results, the entire process was independently supervised
by consulting firm We-iN which participated as the methodological and technological partner for
the voting, selection of the finalists and proclamation of the winners.
Valletta Cruise Port bagged this award for a number of reasons: the ease of visiting the
destination from the port is the main reason (25.93%) and, in a close second (22.22%), the
beauty of the location stands out, with another reason being the accessibility of the port and city
(8.99%).
Stephen Xuereb, COO of Global Ports Holding and CEO of Valletta Cruise Port commented,
“Valletta Cruise Port had the pleasure of welcoming close to 900,000 passenger movements
throughout 2023 with over 57,000 passenger movements coming specifically from Spain not
mentioning other Spanish-speaking guests hailing from other countries around the globe. It is
indeed a pleasure to see our guests repeatedly recognising Valletta Cruise Port’s efforts
together with those of other key stakeholders in making their visit to our destination a
memorable experience. As part of the Global Ports Holding network our goal remains that of
delivering operational excellence in line with our mission and values. It is truly encouraging to
see our efforts repeatedly recognised by both operators and passengers alike.”
Malta Tourism Authority CEO Carlo Micallef added, “The Malta Tourism Authority extends its
congratulations to Valletta Cruise Port for securing another prestigious award for the Maltese
Islands. The Premios Cruceroadicto stands as an international recognition, chosen by travellers,
underscoring the unique appeal of our Valletta harbour surrounded by significant historical
landmarks. The enchanting setting has clearly left a lasting impact on cruise visitors, who
thoroughly enjoy their brief stay on our islands. This is evident in the many who opt to return as
regular tourists, eager to explore more of what the Maltese Islands have to offer.”
About Valletta Cruise Port Plc
Fresh from celebrating its 20 th anniversary from the start of cruise operations, award-winning Valletta
Cruise Port Malta is a key port of call and a thriving homeport, with a strategic location in the central
Mediterranean. It offers a safe haven for ships and a variety of 24/7 support services. Valletta’s quays are ISPS-compliant and can handle the largest cruise vessels. Shore-side operations are complemented by various shops, cafes, restaurants and other amenities situated opposite the berthing quays on the Valletta Waterfront. A signatory to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)’s Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, Valletta Cruise Port has also been awarded the ‘Safe Travels’ stamp by the World Travel & Tourism Council.
For more information, please visit: www.vallettacruiseport.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
About Global Ports Holding Plc
Global Ports Holding Plc (GPH) is the world’s largest cruise port operator with an established presence in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Asia-Pacific regions, including extensive commercial port operations in
Montenegro. Established in 2004 as an independent cruise port operator with a diversified portfolio of cruise and commercial ports, the group holds a unique position in the cruise port landscape, positioning itself as the world’s leading cruise port brand. With an integrated platform of cruise ports serving cruise liners, ferries, yachts, and mega-yachts, GPH operates 30 ports in 17 countries and continues to grow steadily. The group also offers commercial port operations which specialize in container, bulk, and general cargo handling.
For more information, please visit: www.globalportsholding.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
