A record number of cruise passengers visited Malta in 2024, surpassing the pre-pandemic peak of 2019.
More than 940,000 passenger movements were registered at the Valletta Cruise Port in 2024, 4% higher than 2019, the previous record year. During the last 12 months, the Grand Harbour received 357 cruise ship calls.
The results were announced during a visit to the Valletta Cruise Port on Wednesday morning by Ian Borg, Malta’s deputy prime minister and minister for foreign affairs and tourism, Chris Bonett, minister for transport, infrastructure and public works, and Stephen Xuereb, Valletta Cruise Port CEO.
It is estimated that cruise ships berthing at the Grand Harbour contribute circa €88m to Malta’s economy every year, with €38m in spending by cruise passengers and another €50m by cruise lines.
“We want cruise passengers to enjoy their experience and put our country in their bucket list for a longer holiday next time round,” said Ian Borg, Malta’s deputy prime minister and minister for foreign affairs and tourism.
“To achieve this, we need a comprehensive effort by all stakeholders, not only from the private sector, but also from different government entities and authorities. This is why we are collaborating with other ministries to make sure that as a country, we intensify our efforts for a better-quality tourism product in coming years.”
The Malta tourism authority continued to promote Malta during 2024 as an important cruise destination in the Mediterranean.
“We are incredibly proud of the record-breaking results achieved in 2024, reflecting the cruise industry’s resilience and swift recovery post-Covid,” pointed out Stephen Xuereb, COO of Global Ports Holding and Valletta Cruise Port CEO.
“The government is continuing its work on Quay Pinto 4-5, a crucial part of our infrastructure, and we anticipate its completion within the next year. In addition to our cruise facilities, Valletta Cruise Port issued a request for proposals for the Old Power House in December, and by mid-February, we will launch a public tender for the development of the Atrium car park. 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year.”
