Malta is one of our most important destinations, welcoming calls from all eight Carnival Corporation cruise brands and serving as a longstanding partner to both P&O Cruises and Cunard.
Last week, we welcomed a delegation of senior Maltese representatives on board Azura during her call to Valletta, providing an opportunity to build on that relationship. Hosted by Donnacha O’Driscoll, Executive Vice President Maritime and Sustainability, and Sophie Portlock, Vice President Sustainability and Strategic Projects, the visit brought together representatives including Malta’s Minister for Tourism, the British High Commissioner to Malta and the Chair of the Economic Affairs Committee.
Conversations focused on our enduring connection with Malta, the contribution cruise tourism makes to the local economy and communities, and how we can continue working together in the years ahead.
Donnacha said: “Malta has been an important partner for many years, and it was a pleasure to welcome key stakeholders on board Azura. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss the role cruise tourism plays in supporting local economies and communities, while exploring how we can continue to work together to deliver long-term value for Malta.”
The visit was also a chance to discuss our ongoing work to better understand the wider economic contribution our ships, guests and crew make. By strengthening our understanding of this impact, we can support open and informed dialogue with local stakeholders and help ensure tourism delivers sustainable benefits for destinations and communities.
Alongside the conversations on board, the visit highlighted the importance of partnerships that create lasting value beyond the quayside. At Fort Madliena, the delegation saw the progress of a biodiversity initiative sponsored by Carnival UK, where 250 trees were planted last year as part of our commitment to biodiversity, conservation and community engagement.
The group saw how the trees are becoming established and helping to restore the local landscape. They also visited a community bench installed with support from Carnival UK for local residents and visitors to enjoy. A special moment saw Azura’s Captain Alan Hawkins plant an additional tree on behalf of P&O Cruises and Cunard, symbolising the lasting partnership between our brands and the communities in Malta that welcome our guests year after year.
Reflecting on the visit, Sophie said: “Strong destinations are built through strong partnerships. The conversations on board and our visit to Fort Madliena demonstrated the value of working closely with destinations to understand local priorities and identify opportunities to create shared value.”
For Donnacha, seeing the project first-hand showed what this kind of collaboration can achieve: “Initiatives such as these demonstrate how collaboration can create tangible benefits for local communities and the natural environment, helping to ensure tourism leaves a positive and lasting legacy.”
Together, these activities reflect our wider commitment to supporting the destinations we visit and the important role thriving destinations play in the future success of our business. By investing in local communities, supporting environmental initiatives and working closely with our destination partners, we can help create lasting benefits while protecting the places our guests come to experience.