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Record Number Of Cruise Passengers In Malta 2024

Record Number Of Cruise Passengers In Malta 2024
Jan 15 2025 Share

Malta’s cruise industry achieved a milestone in 2024, welcoming over 940,000 passenger movements at Valletta Cruise Port, a 4% increase over the previous record year of 2019.

With 357 cruise ship calls throughout the year, the sector has emerged as a key contributor to Malta’s economy, generating approximately €88 million annually—€38 million from passenger spending and €50 million from cruise line expenditures.

Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing the cruise passenger experience, aiming to encourage return visits for longer holidays.

Collaboration among stakeholders, including government entities and private sector partners, was emphasised as essential for delivering a high-quality tourism product.

Sustainability was also a focal point, with Minister Chris Bonett showcasing Malta’s investment in Onshore Power Supply (OPS) technology at the Grand Harbour.

This infrastructure, capable of powering five cruise liners simultaneously, is expected to reduce local pollution by 90% by 2030, underscoring Malta’s leadership in eco-friendly maritime solutions.

Valletta Cruise Port CEO Stephen Xuereb celebrated the record-breaking performance, attributing success to stakeholder collaboration.

He also emphasised ongoing infrastructure developments, including the extension of Quay Pinto 4-5 and new investment opportunities, to sustain long-term growth in the sector while maintaining Malta’s reputation as a premier Mediterranean cruise destination.

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250 KG Of Cocaine Busted At Malta Freeport

Jan 15 2025 Share

Customs officers have busted 250 kg of cocaine in a container at the Malta Freeport.

In a statement, the Malta Tax and Customs Administration revealed that the container originated from the port of Guayaquil in Ecuador and was headed for the port of Piraeus in Greece.

The Police Drug Squad was notified of the discovery and called to assist with the inspection. The drugs were found in the front row of the container.

A magisterial inquiry has been launched, and police investigations are ongoing.

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Two Men Grievously Injured In Separate Road Accidents

Two Men Grievously Injured In Separate Road Accidents
Jan 15 2025 Share

Two men were taken to Mater Dei Hospital after they were injured in two separate traffic accidents earlier today.

The first accident happened at around 0745hrs in Triq Anton Cassar, Marsa. Preliminary investigations showed that a crash had taken place between a Suzuki motorcycle driven by a 21 year old man resident of Fgura and a Toyota Vitz driven by a 21 year old woman resident of Qormi.

The second accident took place a few minutes later at 0800hrs on Triq il-Barrani, Zejtun.

Preliminary investigations showed that a 30 year old Italian man resident of Hal Ghaxaq, driving a Yamaha motorcycle, lost control and fell.

Medical teams gave assistance on both accident sites and transported both men to Mater Dei Hospital. They were later certified as having suffered grievous injuries.

Investigations are still ongoing.

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Australian Local Council Bans G-String Bikinis From Local Pools

Jan 15 2025 Share

A local council in the Greater Sydney area has officially banned G-string bikinis at public pools, though no further details have been provided on how the rule will be enforced, sparking discussions about gender standards.

On Facebook in a now deleted post, the Blue Mountains Leisure Centres stated that they noticed some “confusion” about “appropriate swimwear” when visiting one of their pools.

Much of the confusion stemmed from a poster showing examples of appropriate and inappropriate swimwear. It’s important to note that these images are meant as a guide,” the post explained.

“Specifically, the image depicting ‘revealing swimwear/thongs’ refers to thongs and G-strings, not bikini tops and bottoms.

“Thongs and G-string swimwear are not allowed for either males or females at our leisure centres.

“Bikinis are acceptable and recognised as appropriate swimwear.”

The clarification sparked debate in the comments, with responses ranging from “if you don’t like it, don’t look” to “it’s about the rules… if you don’t like them, swim elsewhere and bare your bum.”

Most pools have rules regarding appropriate swimwear, with many requiring full briefs for bottoms.

In 2023, the Marion Outdoor Pool in Adelaide faced criticism for suggesting that patrons should wear “modest swimwear” or a “standard bikini.”

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