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Valletta, the capital of Malta – Photo credit: Malta Tourism Authority
The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) celebrated its 25th anniversary in New York with several events and notable announcements, including the opening of an official North American office next year and a campaign for nonstop air service from the U.S. to the Mediterranean island nation.
MTA CEO Carlo Micallef, together with Heritage Malta CEO Noel Zammit and Michelle Buttigieg, MTA representative for North America, commemorated the silver anniversary with a historical and gastronomical journey curated by Heritage Malta on Sept. 17.
The special evening was held at Malta’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City. Ambassador Vanessa Frazier, Malta’s permanent representative to the United Nations, was host and guest of honor.
Malta is renowned for its cuisine – Photo credit: Malta Tourism Authority
New Manhattan Offices in 2025
During the event, it was announced that the MTA will soon be increasing its staff and opening an official tourism office in Manhattan in 2025.
“Our objective in the American market is to have a nonstop flight to Malta,” Micallef said. “In order to achieve this goal, MTA is putting a major effort into increasing the arrival numbers from the U.S. from 65,000 expected in 2024 to 100,000.”
This is wonderful news for travel advisors, who have witnessed increased demand for travel to Malta, both by cruise ship and land vacations.
Rise In Luxury Travelers
There has been a rise in luxury travelers discovering what these unique island gems have to offer. Don’t let its size dissuade you from recommending it, as Malta is brimming with 7,000 years of history and culture.
The Maltese are warm, friendly and welcoming, and the island nation features spectacular cathedrals and palaces with extraordinary architecture for your clients to explore.
The country, which is located just 58 miles from Sicily, is comprised of five islands, the three largest of which are Malta, Camino and Gozo.
Beaches and 300 Days of Sunshine
The destination – which is often used in movie locations – has a multitude of beautiful Mediterranean beaches and boasts 300 days of sunshine each year.
Adventure is around every corner with hiking, biking, water sports and some of the world’s best diving spots. If shopping is your clients’ choice of activities, Malta will not disappoint with world-famous Maltese designers like Charles & Ron.
Malta’s accommodations run the gamut, from world-class spas to five star resorts to boutique hotels.
Consider recommending the destination to your clients who are looking for a romantic getaway or honeymoon. And Malta is also a very LGBTQI-friendly.
A few more reasons why Malta should be on top of your recommendation list is that your clients will feel comfortable since the locals speak fluent English – it once was a British colony – and the country always ranks as one of the safest in Europe.
Traditional Maltese boats, called dgħajs, with the city of Birgu in the background – Photo credit: Malta Tourism Authority
Delectable Cuisine
And finally, Malta’s not-to-be missed, extremely tasty Mediterranean cuisine has a Southern Italian influence. I can tell you from experience that the food is delectable, and the restaurants are wonderful.
The MTA has much to celebrate on this special anniversary as its magnificent destination is truly a hidden gem.
This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.