Valletta cruise port in Malta saw a big increase in passengers in 2015, leading to a record-breaking year for the popular port.
A total of 668,277 passengers were recorded on 306 cruise vessels calling on Valletta. This was an increase of 150,683 passengers (29.1%) on the previous year (2014). The previous record was set in 2012, with 608,786 passengers being recorded.
As per NSO statistics, which exclude embarking passengers, the 2015 landed passengers amounted to 600,156 (2014: 471,554). This exceeds the previous record year in 2012 (562,812), by circa 6%.
The busiest month in 2015 was October with 105,164 passengers. Several busy cruise days were recorded during the year with the busiest day being July 22 with over 13,500 passengers.
Stephen Xuereb, CEO of Valletta Cruise Port said, “Improving the infrastructure on Quays 4/5 and a proposed extension towards Barriera Wharf is critical to the continued growth of the industry in Valletta. Valletta Cruise Port is currently working on these plans in order to meet the challenges that lie ahead. 2016 is looking very positive and Valletta is expected to welcome an unprecedented 740,000 passenger movements. It is indeed an exciting time for Valletta Cruise Port”.
