Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/580873
Events 47 maltatoday, Sunday, 4 OctOber 2015 HSBC revitalises Ghar Ilma in Gozo A newly constructed view- ing point by HSBC Malta over an historic aqueduct starting from Għar Ilma site in Gozo, attracted the attention of hun- dreds of Skola Sajf students who toured the heritage site as part of a cultural visit. Built in the 1880s, the aque- duct runs from Għar Ilma cave in Santa Lucija to the Victoria Capuchin convent, where lo- cal administrators were deter- mined to build an entranceway for visitors. HSBC Bank Malta donated €5,700 towards the comple- tion of the project, as part of the HSBC Malta Water Pro- gramme – Catch the Drop wa- ter conservation campaign. HSBC Malta Water Pro- gramme coordinator Glenn Bugeja said, "HSBC Malta's in- terest in the project lay in the fact that Għar Ilma enjoys his- toric significance on a national level, and that opening access to it would bring about greater awareness among our children. We hope that by visiting Għar Ilma children will develop a renewed sense of appreciation for water when they learn how our ancestors used to harvest water as a precious resource." Minister for Gozo Anton Re- falo recently visited the site in the company of officials from Santa Lucija Administrative Council and HSBC Water Pro- gramme, who outlined the fea- tures of the site. Student visit to Għar Ilma was but one of a number of activities organised by HSBC Malta as part of Skola Sajf 2015. Almost 700 Gozitan stu- dents participated in the Skola Sajf 2015 activities that were organised by the HSBC Wa- ter Programme – Catch the Drop campaign specifically for Gozo. KTM Bike Industries introduces new models KTM, the long established and highly respected bicycle brand has just introduced the new line of models for 2016. These include amongst others; the Revelator, Myroon 29", Scarp 29", Lycan 27.5", Kapoho 27+, Macina Ka- poho 27+ featuring new frames, boost technology, optimally in- tegrated front derailleur, Rocker Blade Technology, and Shimano components. All models are available in car- bon and aluminum frames, pep- pered with innovative technol- ogy, and state-of-the-art designs. KTM Bike Industries was founded in 1964 in Mattighofen, Austria and has been producing a wide variety of bicycles with the most advanced technology and most innovative design ever since. KTM produces an impres- sive 200,000 bicycles per year, a number that is constantly grow- ing with models ranging from road bikes to full suspension, to mountain bikes, to e-bikes and kids bikes. People are invited to see the lat- est KTM bicycles, clothing and accessories at Fapi Motors Ltd. in Mdina Road, Attard. For more information or inquiries call on 2339 2241 or send us an e-mail on sales@fapimotors.com. Valentina Hotel recognized on the Expedia Insiders' Select 2015 List Valentina Hotel today announced that it has received the distinction of being named an Expedia Insiders' Select hotel for 2015. This annual list represents a rank- ing of the world's best-reviewed ho- tels as determined by direct custom- er feedback on Expedia.com. The 2015 class of Insiders' Select hotels is based off of more than two million customer Verified Reviews, mean- ing Expedia confirmed the traveler's booking on Expedia.com in order to review the property. The winning hotels were identi- fied this year by Expedia travelers as properties in top global destinations providing excellent overall guest service and maintaining a minimum guest review score of 4.7 out of 5. Now in its eighth year, Expedia continues to leverage traveler re- views and local market expertise to deliver this highly comprehensive list of top hotels to help custom- ers feel confident they are making the best-possible booking decision. The 2015 list names 650 exclusive properties as Insiders' Select win- ning hotels from among bookable properties available on Expedia, Inc. websites worldwide. "Such a prestigious award, received in only our third year of operations since total restructuring, gives us particular satisfaction. It also con- firms the foresight of the Directors in their investment in quality, as well as the dedication of the staff towards full customer satisfaction – we promise to maintain these high levels," said Jeffrey Cutajar, Manager and Director of Sales and Marketing of the Valentina. "'Minister for Tourism Edward Zammit Lewis congratulated Val- entina Hotel for the major award achieved through one of the world's largest travel sites. Being recognised as an Expedia insider's Select ho- tel for 2015 is a clear certificate of the excellent work undertaken by all staff and management and will surely give leverage to new and re- peat business in addition to extend- ed stays. "The Minister for Tourism also commended Valentina Hotel, one of the finest 3-star hotels on the Maltese Islands, for their ongoing and consistent drive towards service quality improvement that, in turn, demonstrates a clear commitment at all levels of their business to this end even for the longer term. "The very optimistic tourism and economic indicators that we are cur- rently witnessing together with the overall positive economic climate is the clear result of coordinated and concerted efforts undertaken by this Government in synergy with the private sector, concluded the Minis- ter for Tourism. "We're delighted to recognize this select group of hotels that have ex- ceeded customer expectations in key aspects of the hotel experience," said John Morrey, Vice President and General Manager, Expedia.com. "By empowering our travelers with real reviews penned by real hotel customers, we are providing the knowledge to make informed book- ing decisions." Visitors to Expedia.com can find Insiders' Select-designated proper- ties by sorting via the Hotel Prefer- ences amenity drop-down menu. These hotels will also feature an Ex- pedia Insiders' Select badge on their hotel description page. For more information on Insiders' Select, visit http://www.expedia.com/insiders- select. Farsons reports further growth and announces additional investments Farsons Group reported a steady growth and a profit- able performance for the six months ending 31 July 2015, when compared to the same period of last year. Whilst turnover exceeded €44 million, representing an increase of 8% over the com- parative period last year, prof- it for the period from continu- ing operations after taxation amounted to €4.6 million, a signifi- cant increase of 14% over last year's already record figure. In reviewing the performance of the Group's business, Farsons Group Chief Executive Norman Aquilina said: "The market remains highly competitive, with constant pressures on volumes and margins. "Nonetheless, the beverage busi- ness and the franchised food opera- tions in particular continued to de- liver a resilient performance". He further stated that, "while ef- ficiency improvements through investment, technology, innovation and cost containment remain ongo- ing, exports growth will continue to be an area of focus in line with the group's strategic vision". The strong performance of the local economy, the growth in tour- ist arrivals and expenditure, the successful marketing of the beer portfolio and the volume growth in imported beverages were all factors that also contributed to the positive results achieved during the first six months of the company's financial year. On the investment side, while con- struction works on the new state- of-the-art beer packaging facility continues to progress on schedule and on budget, the company also announced plans to expand its lo- gistics operations and warehous- ing capabilities, alongside a new office space development to house its administrative employees. This investment, together with related capital expenditure, is expected to amount to €10 million and is scheduled to commence in January 2016 and completed within a two-year period. The Group's Chairman, Louis A. Farrugia referred to the company announcement issued on 29 May 2015, where it was stated that planning ap- plications for the development of the Farsons Business Park were submitted to MEPA. "Further detailed designs, analysis and specifications have since been undertaken with the project being set for approval by the next annual general meeting. The board is also considering the various funding op- tions and effectively planning the execution of the restructuring of the group. We are experiencing an- other exciting phase in our history which we believe will result in fur- ther growth of the Farsons group". The board of directors also rec- ommended an interim dividend of €1 million, similar to last year, and equivalent to €0.0333 per share. Such dividend will be paid out of tax-exempt profits, payable on 20 October to those registered ordi- nary shareholders as at 6 October 2015.