Tourism, with all its corollary economic benefits, relies and thrives to a large extent in an environment of peace and stability. This applies both to national and international contexts. My country has worked tirelessly to achieve international consensus and stability, especially in the Euro-Mediterranean region. On a political level, both in bilateral and multilateral contexts, Malta has always pursued coherent policies aimed at achieving this goal. We all appreciate the effort and positive outcomes of such policies.
Tourism is a popular force that transcends boundaries and frontiers.
Tourism offers stimuli for improving the state of the environment and infra-structural networks. Tourism presents both challenges and opportunities for Governments and business sectors alike. Certainly I find that the most exciting part of your activity is the establishment of links among peoples from different cultural backgrounds. Your activity lies at the foundation of establishing a 'people to people' approach, that of building a partnership of tolerance and understanding among peoples. May I conclude these few words by encouraging you to continue offering a better quality of service to your clients whilst also encouraging them to seek out a deeper meaning in their travels, by understanding the cultures of others.