No fewer than 50 public activities are being organised to coincide with European Maritime Day, which is eelebrated on the 20th of May each year,and is being held for the first time this year in Malta. Parades, exhibitions and music and dancing will all play a part bringing the event to life.

The announcement was made today, following an introduction by Martin Bugelli, Head of the European Commission Representation in Malta, in which he traced the history of European Maritime Day back to 2008, there were contributions from Parliamentary Secretary for Competitiveness and Economic Growth Edward Zammit Lewis, Tourism Minister Karmenu Vella and Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Business, Chris Cardona.

Mr Bugelli said: “European Maritime Day aims to enable our citizens to realise the extent and great variety of maritime-related activities that take place across Europe. Most EU countries have a maritime border or have maritime-related activity along their waterways and this, in a nutshell, is what ‘Maritime Europe’ pays tribute to.”

Minister Vella said Malta was hosting the 2013 European Maritime Day Conference, with the theme sustainable coastal and maritime tourism in the wider context of blue growth. “This year’s conference throws the spotlight on a vital sector of the Maltese economy, enabling delegates from across the European Union to debate the challenges we are all facing,” he said, adding, “I am confident that specific issues that affect all of us, including the sustainable development of our coastal regions, cruise tourism and ensuring accessibility through the right connections across the EU will be among the topics discussed.”

Economy, Investment and Small Business Minister Chris Cardona dwelt on blue growth, job creation, investment and the economy throughout the European Union. Commenting on this aspect of European Maritime Day, Dr Cardona said this showed great scope for implementation.

“A lot is being done, which we must appreciate, but there is still a lot more that can be done across the European Union to ensure the maritime ‘industry’ grows and creates jobs. By providing the necessary investment the economy is regenerated.”

Dr Zammit Lewis thanked the hard-working organising committee for having put together such an impressive public events programme, spread over two days, Sunday 19th May, 2013, and Monday 20th May, 2013.

“It is important to remind the Maltese of this great asset that we have, which is the beautiful Mediterranean sea that surrounds us and the important maritime tradition we have inherited. We wanted to attract all sectors of the population, be they to activities that relate to the sea, events – both sporting and otherwise – demonstrations and hands-on experiences that they would not normally have.

“We want to show, promote, discuss and celebrate our maritime links as well as the various policies that relate to the sea,” Dr Zammit Lewis said, while also adding that in the area of an integrated maritime policy there is a lot more that could be implemented across the EU.

Although activities will be taking place in both Malta and Gozo, the focus will be in and around Valletta, where people can cross the harbour or use the Upper Barrakka lift free of charge. There will be band marches, parades, interactive artists, concerts and folk music and dancing.

Several locations will be open to the public free, including the Malta Maritime Museum in Birgu with a special exhibit, the Delimara Lighthouse, Fort San Lucjan, the Freeport and the special research vessel, berthed at Pinto Wharf.

Visitors will be able to explore Malta’s unique grand harbour, visit ships and boats, tour the Malta Maritime Musem, the Valletta Bastions built to defend the island from seaborne attacks, participate in activities, and make European Maritime Day in Malta a memorable one.

The entire programme of events revolves around heritage, culture, the arts, sport, leisure, education, industry, tourism and transport.

For more information visit www.emd2013.gov.mt, e-mail emd2013pubevents@gov.mt or call 2220 9999.

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