More than 3,600 nominations for MTA STAR scheme in 2006

The Special Thanks and Recognition scheme (STAR) is an important initiative through which the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) is able to give public recognition to all those who work in the tourism industry.

Malta Tourism Authority Chief Executive Officer, Mr David Mifsud said this during the STAR 2006 award ceremony.

Mr. Mifsud also said that this initiative gives the tourist the opportunity to tell us what is good, and we as an Authority act on this judgement, and award those people that deserve the award.

The service award is totally consumer-driven and this year 13 people were awarded - this was the result of over 3,600 nominations from tourists (Each STAR performer obtained the highest amount of valid nominations from their respective categories). The STAR performers each received a certificate, an 18ct gold lapel-pin and Lm500 cash prize. The nominees received a certificate.

The different service categories and their respective STAR Performers are:

Boatmen Category

Jimmy Busuttil, Captain Morgan;

Bus Drivers Category

Paul Farrugia;

Coach and Mini Bus Drivers Category

Robin Stevens, Zarb Coaches

Heritage Sites, Museums & Places and Interest Category

Carol Galea, Classic Car Museum;

Horse-Drawn Cab Drivers Category

Alfred Chircop;

Hotels Category (Food and Beverage)

Rita Butigieg, Cavalieri;

Hotels Category (Front Office and Housekeeping)

Pauline Paris – 115 The Strand;

Restaurants Category

Antonio Pané, Sottovoce;

Shop Assistants/ Owners Category

Sylvia Grech, Mgarr Tourist Services;

Sports Instructors Category

Martin Hall, Paradise Bay Diving Centre;

Taxis & Chauffeur Driven Vehicles Category

Michael Camilleri, Belmont Garage;

Tourist Guides Category

Maria Pia Cumbo

Travel Representatives Category

Joseph Feró, SMS Travel and Tourism;

As an incentive for tourists to participate, there was a prize consisting of complimentary flights (courtesy of Air Malta) and accommodation for two persons. The lucky tourists this year are from the UK and they will be coming over towards the end of April this year.

Through the STAR scheme the MTA also awarded good quality tourism products. Five awards were given in total and these were selected by the adjudicating panel which was made up of people from various related entities. The prize for the first four awards was a certificate, a wooden plaque and Lm500. The local council responsible for the most attractive village / town square received Lm1000.

The different product categories and their respective STAR Performers are:

Best Festa Stall

Beehive

Best Fixed Kiosk (non-catering)

La Gelateria Tanti, Mdina

Best Tourist Shop

Roman Villa Centre

Best Well Kept Public Convenience

Howard Gardens, Mdina

Most Attractive Village/Town Square

Pjazza San Ġwann Battista, Xewkija

The STAR Scheme 2007 has already begun and all nominations received since January this year will automatically be included in this year’s scheme. Tourists may nominate anyone working in the tourism or related industries. Nomination forms are available at various points including hotels, restaurants, the airport, taxis, coaches and many others. This year people visiting Malta will soon be able to nominate a front liner from our new site www.visitmalta.com

For further information kindly contact the Quality Assurance Unit on 22915272 or starscheme@visitmalta.com