Menu
30/03/2011
Malta Tourists 'Not Worried' Over Libya
Holidaymakers on Malta have been asked about any concerns they might have about their visit to the Mediterranean island.
There are fears that visitor numbers from the UK to what is Europe's nearest neighbour to Libya may be hit by the turbulence just over 200 miles away.
The straw poll came as Malta's Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi admitted in the capital, Valetta, (pictured here by Brian McCalden) that an 'official' Libyan plane was refused landing permission at the weekend.
He said that the passengers included pilots who intended to 'repossess' two multi-million Euro Mirage fighter aircraft flown there earlier by defecting Libyan pilots.
As the tensions were racked-up by the latest development, British visitors to the holiday island were among those being polled by the authoritive Malta Times newspaper about any fears they might have had before travelling.
They were being asked if they had any worries about Malta, after cancellations by small groups from the UK, France and Germany and a reported slowdown in bookings.
This was especially so at a time when foreign media were in Malta reporting about the incidents in Libya and people's evacuation from the beleaguered country.
While some of the UK holidaymakers said they were unconcerned, others would have been willing to cancel had they been able to claim refunds - but all agreed that since arrival, all was peaceful.
However, as the request by Libya for the two war planes to be returned has been denied - and the request by their pilots for political asylum remained under consideration in Malta - some will reflect on the mere 221 mile proximity to Tripoli, Libya's capital.
The problems in Libya and the region have increased uncertainty over visitor numbers after Air Malta - the country's official carrier - entered a crucial stage of restructuring as it wallows in debt.
Just last week, the Hotels and Restaurants Association president George Micallef said the country usually experienced a surge in bookings as Easter approached.
"Unfortunately, the media abroad is saying Malta will be used as a military base and this is creating anxiety for possible visitors.
"People are booking late but those who are planning a holiday want to choose and once they choose another country we've lost them," he said.
This was a blow as big as the uncertainty surrounding the future of the national airline, which he said, was creating anxiety among stakeholders in the tourism industry.
However, he said: "Libya is a one-off and it could be damaging if it takes long to solve, but Air Malta has a more long-term effect on the industry."
Now, the news that the two Libyan pilots had landed in Malta's Luqa airport to claim asylum was further unwelcome news.
They arrived on single-seater Mirage F1 planes and the government said they landed due to fuel shortage.
The pilots only made contact with the control tower once they had landed on the commercial runway at .
They were taken into police custody and questioned, with preliminary investigations confirming their story.
(BMcC/GK)
There are fears that visitor numbers from the UK to what is Europe's nearest neighbour to Libya may be hit by the turbulence just over 200 miles away.
The straw poll came as Malta's Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi admitted in the capital, Valetta, (pictured here by Brian McCalden) that an 'official' Libyan plane was refused landing permission at the weekend.
He said that the passengers included pilots who intended to 'repossess' two multi-million Euro Mirage fighter aircraft flown there earlier by defecting Libyan pilots.
As the tensions were racked-up by the latest development, British visitors to the holiday island were among those being polled by the authoritive Malta Times newspaper about any fears they might have had before travelling.
They were being asked if they had any worries about Malta, after cancellations by small groups from the UK, France and Germany and a reported slowdown in bookings.
This was especially so at a time when foreign media were in Malta reporting about the incidents in Libya and people's evacuation from the beleaguered country.
While some of the UK holidaymakers said they were unconcerned, others would have been willing to cancel had they been able to claim refunds - but all agreed that since arrival, all was peaceful.
However, as the request by Libya for the two war planes to be returned has been denied - and the request by their pilots for political asylum remained under consideration in Malta - some will reflect on the mere 221 mile proximity to Tripoli, Libya's capital.
The problems in Libya and the region have increased uncertainty over visitor numbers after Air Malta - the country's official carrier - entered a crucial stage of restructuring as it wallows in debt.
Just last week, the Hotels and Restaurants Association president George Micallef said the country usually experienced a surge in bookings as Easter approached.
"Unfortunately, the media abroad is saying Malta will be used as a military base and this is creating anxiety for possible visitors.
"People are booking late but those who are planning a holiday want to choose and once they choose another country we've lost them," he said.
This was a blow as big as the uncertainty surrounding the future of the national airline, which he said, was creating anxiety among stakeholders in the tourism industry.
However, he said: "Libya is a one-off and it could be damaging if it takes long to solve, but Air Malta has a more long-term effect on the industry."
Now, the news that the two Libyan pilots had landed in Malta's Luqa airport to claim asylum was further unwelcome news.
They arrived on single-seater Mirage F1 planes and the government said they landed due to fuel shortage.
The pilots only made contact with the control tower once they had landed on the commercial runway at .
They were taken into police custody and questioned, with preliminary investigations confirming their story.
(BMcC/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 March 2011
'Libya Alliance' In London Conference
Amid UN-backed military action, the international allies are meeting in London today to decide the next steps to take in Libya. Prime Minister David Cameron said he hoped the meeting would encourage "maximum political and diplomatic unity".
'Libya Alliance' In London Conference
Amid UN-backed military action, the international allies are meeting in London today to decide the next steps to take in Libya. Prime Minister David Cameron said he hoped the meeting would encourage "maximum political and diplomatic unity".
19 April 2004
Minister visits Libya to foster trade links
Following on from Tony Blair's visit to Libya last month, it has been announced that Trade Minister Mike O'Brien will visit Libya tomorrow on a two-day visit. Mr O'Brien, who visited the north African nation in August 2001, was the first time a British Minister met the Libyan leader.
Minister visits Libya to foster trade links
Following on from Tony Blair's visit to Libya last month, it has been announced that Trade Minister Mike O'Brien will visit Libya tomorrow on a two-day visit. Mr O'Brien, who visited the north African nation in August 2001, was the first time a British Minister met the Libyan leader.
22 June 2007
Malta sightings investigated in hunt for Madeleine
Police in Malta are investigating possible sightings of missing British girl Madeleine McCann. According to reports, a number of British tourists have reported seeing a child who resembled the missing four-year-old in the island's capital Valletta and the resort of Sliema.
Malta sightings investigated in hunt for Madeleine
Police in Malta are investigating possible sightings of missing British girl Madeleine McCann. According to reports, a number of British tourists have reported seeing a child who resembled the missing four-year-old in the island's capital Valletta and the resort of Sliema.
24 February 2004
Libya paid Lockerbie compensation to 'buy peace'
Libya was not responsible for the Lockerbie bombing and paid out compensation to the families of the victims in order to "buy peace", according to the country's prime minister.
Libya paid Lockerbie compensation to 'buy peace'
Libya was not responsible for the Lockerbie bombing and paid out compensation to the families of the victims in order to "buy peace", according to the country's prime minister.
24 February 2011
PM Apologises Over UK Response To Libya Chaos
David Cameron has said he is "extremely sorry" over the government's rescue efforts of UK nationals stranded in Libya. The Prime Minister's statement follows criticism by the Labour Party of being "slow off the mark" in response to the unrest. As stranded British oil workers appeal for help, Mr Cameron said: "Of course I am extremely sorry.
PM Apologises Over UK Response To Libya Chaos
David Cameron has said he is "extremely sorry" over the government's rescue efforts of UK nationals stranded in Libya. The Prime Minister's statement follows criticism by the Labour Party of being "slow off the mark" in response to the unrest. As stranded British oil workers appeal for help, Mr Cameron said: "Of course I am extremely sorry.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
