The Special Thanks And Recognition (STAR) Awards presentation ceremony organised by the Malta Tourism Authority took place on Thursday 8th February at the Corinthia Palace. 

The event included a number of different awards.  The first set of awards were the STAR service awards which sees the tourists themselves nominate people they have met during their holiday who, in their view, offered outstanding service and helped make their stay better.  The finalists were invited to the event and 9 persons received the STAR Award, these are:

1. Mr. Cristian Teuma, Casa Gemelli

2. Ms. Jacqueline Grima, Tourist Guide

3. Mr. Alfred Bray, Security Officer

4. Mr. Charlie Bonanno, Boatman

5. Mr. Joseph Mercieca, Country Terrace Restaurant

6. Mr. Michael Pace, White Taxi driver

7. Mr. Paul Vella, Coach Driver

8. Ms. Sandrine Masson, Sales Representative

9. Ms. Therese Micallef, Malta Falconry Centre

Another important annual award is the Hotel Worker of the Year which was awarded Mr. Joseph Ciprian Magro, Sales Executive at the Solana Hotel & Spa.  

This year at the STAR Awards also recognised Vecchia Napoli SkyParks which is a Quality Assured restaurant with the most nominated staff in 2017.  

The Special Recognition Award went to Mr. Emanuel Calleja for outstanding hospitality and kindness.  Mr. Campbell, a Scottish national who nominated Mr. Calleja for this special recognition award, came to Malta specifically to present the award