Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1515299
4 NEWS 1.2.2024 FOR the second consecutive year, Valletta has been chosen by Span- ish-speaking cruisers as the Best Port of Call Global, an honour awarded during Premios Cruceroadicto 2023 held during FITUR Madrid 2024 last week. Mark Cauchi Garzia, Deputy GM of Valletta Cruise Port Plc repre- sented the company during the event. ese awards are the result of an in- ternational cruise satisfaction survey taken by the growing community of Spanish-speaking cruise travellers, who had the opportunity to voice their favourite cruise line, ship and port ex- periences during the past year, along with the reason behind their choices. e voting process consisted of a transparent methodology which en- abled travellers to have the last word based on their personal experiences, with the process relying on an elaborate automated system that determined the final award-winning categories. To ensure total objectivity and clean- liness of the results, the entire process was independently supervised by con- sulting firm We-iN which participated as the methodological and technologi- cal partner for the voting, selection of the finalists and proclamation of the winners. Valletta Cruise Port bagged this award for a number of reasons: the ease of visiting the destination from the port is the main reason (25.93%) and, in a close second (22.22%), the beauty of the location stands out, with another reason being the accessibility of the port and city (8.99%). Stephen Xuereb, COO of Global Ports Holding and CEO of Vallet- ta Cruise Port commented, "Valletta Cruise Port had the pleasure of wel- coming close to 900,000 passenger movements throughout 2023 with over 57,000 passenger movements coming specifically from Spain not mentioning other Spanish-speaking guests hailing from other countries around the globe. It is indeed a pleasure to see our guests repeatedly recognising Vallet- ta Cruise Port's efforts together with those of other key stakeholders in making their visit to our destination a memorable experience. As part of the Global Ports Holding network our goal remains that of de- livering operational excellence in line with our mission and values. It is truly encouraging to see our efforts repeat- edly recognised by both operators and passengers alike." Malta Tourism Authority CEO Carlo Micallef added, "e Malta Tourism Authority extends its congratulations to Valletta Cruise Port for securing another prestigious award for the Mal- tese Islands. e Premios Cruceroadicto stands as an international recognition, chosen by travellers, underscoring the unique ap- peal of our Valletta harbour surround- ed by significant historical landmarks. e enchanting setting has clearly left a lasting impact on cruise visitors, who thoroughly enjoy their brief stay on our islands. is is evident in the many who opt to return as regular tourists, eager to ex- plore more of what the Maltese Islands have to offer." Valletta Cruise Port awarded Best Port of Call Global recognition Mark Cauchi Garzia, Deputy GM of Valletta Cruise Port Plc, represented the company during the event HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c. has signed a new collective agree- ment with the Malta Union of Bank Employees (MUBE) for the period 2024-2026. This highlights HSBC's strong commitment to its people as a cornerstone of customer ser- vice excellence and its goal to innovate and improve. This ambitious and ground-breaking agreement is characterised by significant enhancements to employee pay, benefits and retirement pension plans. The agreement was signed this week in Malta, and then validated at HSBC Continen- tal Europe's HQ in Paris by its CEO, Andrew Wild, and the CEO of HSBC Bank Malta, with representatives of MUBE present. HSBC Continental Europe is the majority share- holder of HSBC Bank Malta. The collaborative and pro- fessional negotiation process between HSBC Bank Mal- ta and MUBE underscores a shared commitment to the bank's strategy that focuses on fostering an environment of excellence in customer service and supporting the growth and development of every employee. Geoffrey Fichte, CEO of HSBC Bank Malta said: "I am pleased to confirm the signing of this new collec- tive agreement with MUBE, reflecting our commitment to our people as they are our key competitive advantage. This agreement is a key part of our transformation jour- ney, laying the foundation for innovation, transformation, customer service excellence and business growth. I am personally very motivated by the bright future ahead and look forward to working to- gether with our colleagues to achieve success not only for them personally, but also for our stakeholders." William Portelli, MUBE President said: 'The Collec- tive Agreement signed be- tween MUBE and HSBC Bank Malta will take collaboration to another level whilst en- hancing daily practice at the workplace as the business progresses with the digital transformation process. The agreement is an endorse- ment of goodwill from all parties involved as evidenced by the commitment to en- hance efficiency, flexibility and a feel-good factor around the working environment to the benefit of the employ- ees' wellbeing and customers alike. We are confident in the new management team to drive future success'. HSBC Bank Malta is com- mitted to its role as a leading financial institution in Malta, continually striving for inno- vation and excellence in all facets of its operations. HSBC Bank Malta signs ground-breaking collective agreement with MUBE William Portelli, MUBE President with Geoffrey Fichte, CEO, HSBC Bank Malta