The island of Malta was recognized at this year’s Cruise Excellence Awards ceremony in Spain with the prize for The Best Mediterranean Port and Destination. The country saw the number of cruise passengers increase by 30 percent over the previous year. Last year, Malta welcomed 670,000 cruisers, some of whom they believe will return for a longer visit.

With a population of less than 500,000, Malta boasts many Megalithic (prehistoric) Temples some of which, built between 3600 BC and 700 BC, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.CEO of Valetta cruise port, Stephen Xuereb said, “We are very proud to be receiving this award. Valletta Cruise Port and Malta have the right mix to excel: port infrastructure, destination attractiveness, a good product offering, outstanding service delivery with good passenger flows in the key facilities, varied transport modes, and safety and security. “All this within a value-for-money proposition, and delivered with pride and passion.” He said.“We dedicate this award to all the personnel of Valletta Cruise Port, who together with local stakeholders relentlessly work to ensure that Malta is professional, efficient, reliable and flexible in meeting expectations on all fronts.”