Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Ian Borg has reflected on the arrival of Malta’s first-ever direct flight from New York, describing it as one of the main objectives he pursued when he previously held responsibility for tourism.In a video shared as Delta Air Lines’ inaugural JFK-to-Malta flight prepared to land, Borg looked back on his time as the minister responsible for tourism, saying that opening the American market had been a major priority.“During the year and a few months that I was responsible for tourism, I had one particular objective: to open up the American market,” Borg said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovin Malta (@lovinmalta)He revealed that Delta had invited him to travel on the historic inaugural flight but explained that he chose not to do so, saying his current priority is his health.“If there is one legacy I wanted to leave behind, it was precisely this,” he said.Borg thanked the Malta Tourism Authority and Malta International Airport for their efforts in bringing the route to fruition, saying he was proud the milestone had been achieved within just one year.The new service marks the first scheduled direct connection between Malta and New York, with Delta operating flights three times a week between Malta International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport.While celebrating the launch, Borg stressed the importance of continuing to support the American market to ensure the route remains viable in the long term.“It is a crucial connection for our country,” he said.The inaugural Delta flight landed in Malta this morning, marking a historic moment for the island’s tourism and aviation sectors and fulfilling a goal Borg says he worked towards during his time overseeing tourism.What do you make of the focus of bringing better ‘quality’ tourists to Malta?Video credits @borg_ian•