MTA seminar on marketing Gozo as a tourism destination
The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) in collaboration with the Gozo Tourism Association today organised a one-day seminar on ‘Marketing Gozo as a Tourism Destination’, aimed to ensure strong synergies between the way the MTA markets Gozo and the expectations of the Gozitan travel trade.More at: pr39.
Mellieħa, Malta promoted throughout Cyprus
The Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, the Hon. Mario de Marco said that one of the several ways through which the government and the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) are assisting the tourism sector is that of the ‘euro for euro’ fund, wherein hotels, language schools and other tourism operators are subsidised by 50% for new or incremental advertising.More at: pr38.
Malta drives forward business at WTM'09
The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) recently participated at this year’s World Travel Market (WTM) in London. The travel trade exhibition provided the ideal platform for the MTA to drive forward its business agenda with key trade partners, tour operators and prospective niche agencies, also raising awareness of the Maltese islands with the UK Media. More at: pr37.
MTA Launches new brochure at WTM London
The 9th of November saw the opening of the World Travel Market (MTA) in London. The WTM is considered the 3rd largest tourism fair available. Hundreds of countries from across 5 continents vie for attention and business and the Malta Tourism Authority's stand increased its pitch, by launching a new brochure for the Maltese islands.More at: pr30.
MTA and Air Malta in SMART Paris Promotion
Between the 12 and 14 of November, the Malta Tourism Authority together with Air Malta organized an innovative Malta promotion around the streets of Paris. 7 ‘Smart’ cars wrapped with images of Malta were driven around the streets and boulevards of Paris for three days, promoting the Maltese islands.More at: pr33.
Local council events calendar launched
The 2010 calendar of events organised by local councils was launched on Friday 20th November at St James Cavalier. The Hon. Mario de Marco, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism and the Hon. Chris Said, Parliamentary Secretary for Public Dialogue and Information, announced the events and met the Local Councils benefiting from the Events Scheme for 2010.More at: pr34.
MTA launches new podcasts
The Malta Tourism Authority is continuosly searching for innovative, up to date and far reaching ways to promote Malta. As a result of this policy, an initiative by the MTA UK office, the MTA History & Culture Segment and the MTA Film Unit, led to the launch of 2 podcasts.More at: pr20.
Malta at the Borsa Mediterranea del Turismo Archeologico
The Malta Tourism Authority, through its History & Culture Segment, recently participated in the 12th edition of the ‘Borsa Mediterranea del Turismo Archeologico’ (BMTA), which was held in Paestum, Salerno (IT), between the 19th and 22nd November 2009. This fair is a niche market event which aims to attract visitors to Malta specifically for the islands’ archeological attractions. The MTA also actively participated in a workshop which included the participation of around 80 buyers and tour operators from all over the world.More at: pr36.
MTA promotes Malta in Chi Vuole Essere Millionario
The Malta Tourism Authority’s Italian office, together with Air Malta, recently secured two 30-second TV promotions during the quiz show Chi Vuole Essere Millionario at 1945hrs on Canale 5. Italy’s favourite master – Gerry Scotti, hosts this extremely popular game show.More at: pr28.
Other news stories this month:
Foreign Press
The efforts of the Malta Tourism Authority and overseas offices on all fronts, generates a substantial amount of foreign PR, especially in quality magazines and newspapers.More at: pr1.
Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism addresses MHRA's AGM
The Hon. Mario de Marco, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, delivers an address at the Annual General Meeting of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) held at the Radisson SAS Golden Sands Resort on Friday 30th October 2009.More at: pr22.
Events and initiatives supported by the Malta Tourism Authority
The Malta Tourism Authority promotes numerous events throughout the calendar year to further promote Malta's image as a the Island happening.Malta International Airshow
Birgufest another resounding success
Casal Fornaro
The Malta International Choir Festival of Sacred and Secular Music
Malta Military Tattoo 2009
Notte Bianca 2009
Pipworth Primary School Children’s visit
The World's Strongest Man - Malta 2009
Rolex Middlesea Race
More at: pr2.
The MTA attracting tourism from Dubai
The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), in collaboration with the Consulate General of Malta in Dubai, unveiled a series of promotional activities with a main scope of attracting further tourism from the United Arab Emirates. This was announced by Mr. Josef Formosa Gauci, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority during a road show that is being conducted in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. A series of successful seminars titled “Malta – The Mediterranean’s best kept secret” were presented to the trade in the past few days.More at: pr3.
Episode of Popular Italian TV series 'Rex' filmed in Malta
Last week, the Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, the Hon. Mario de Marco visited the film set at the Upper Barakka Gardens, during the filming of an episode of Italian TV series ‘REX’ which was being shot in Malta. He said that the presence of this crew here in Malta was a result of the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA)’s promotional efforts in Italy and has been made possible through the efforts of the MTA’s Film Unit and the Authority’s office in ItalyMore at: pr4.
Pat Cash visits Gozo
Tennis legend Pat Cash visited the Maltese island of Gozo at the end of October. The visit was arranged by the Malta Tourism Authority with the support of Air Malta and Vintage Travel, the star stayed in Gozo with his family and took time to meet young Maltese tennis players.More at: pr5.
MTA supports News Xchange 2009
Now in its eighth year, News Xchange is the world's premier event for the international broadcast news industry. Each year, this event travels to a new destination, last year was Valencia, the year before was Berlin and 2006 was Istanbul. Around 400 delegates attended this year’s News Xchange to network with peers and, additionally, to learn from the world's experts on a host of topics from the international headlines.More at: pr32.
Cruiseline to commence home-porting of ship in Malta
Costa Cruises announced at the beginning of November that their ship – the Costa Pacifica – will be increasing their calls at the Grand Harbour from 24 times this year to 37 times next year. The Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, the Hon. Mario de Marco said that this is a positive sign that shows the confidence in Valletta as a port of call. As a result, the number of passengers brought over by Costa to Malta is expected to increase from the 50,000 of this year to an estimated 70,000 next year.More at: pr31.
New PDSA brochure for divers
The Malta Tourism Authority recently launched a new brochure aimed at the diving industry. The brochure is full of eye catching images and useful information for divers who intend to dive off the Maltese shores or off a boat into Malta's clear waters.More at: pr35.
The Malta International Choir Festival of Sacred and Secular Music
The Malta International Choir Competition and Festival of Sacred and Secular Music organised by the Parliamentary Secretariat for Tourism, the Malta Tourism Authority, the Ministry for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport and INTERKULTUR Foundation (Germany) was held in between October 29th and November 1st. The festival was open to various categories and 17 choirs from overseas as well as 4 local choirs took part.More at: pr9.
Environmental good practice and the Eco-certification Scheme
The Hon. Mario de Marco, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism delivered the opening address during a seminar entitled `Environmental good practice and the Eco-certification Scheme`. The seminar was organised by the Industry HR Development Unit of the Malta Tourism Authority held at the Intercontinental Hotel, St Julians on 24th October 2009.More at: pr14.
Popular Scandinavian Reality Show - Champions' Champion filmed in Malta
Following the efforts of the Malta Tourism Authority’s office in Sweden, Malta served as the backdrop for the filming of two, 4 week long filming sessions for a popular Scandinavian reality TV show, with participants hailing from Sweden and Norway.More at: pr24.
Second call for proposals in €10 million scheme for sustainable tourism projects for enterprises
The Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, the Hon. Dr Mario de Marco said that there is no doubting that the current world economic scenario is resulting in new challenges for which we need to seek new solutions. He insisted that in this situation, doing nothing is not an option and that both government and private sector together have to ensure that we continue to ride this crisis and be prepared for what’s coming next.More at: pr8.
Annual congress of the Association of Dutch Travel Organisers held in Malta
Between the 2nd and 5th of October, the annual congress of the Association of Dutch Travel Organizers (ANVR) was held in Malta. ANVR was founded in 1966, is the Dutch Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators, and represents the Dutch travel industry.More at: pr15.
MS Rotterdam the largest cruise liner to dock in Gozo
On the 28th October, 2009, Gozo was the proud host to the largest cruise liner ever to anchor off its shores. The MS Rotterdam, which accommodates 1,256 passengers and 589 crew members, forms part of the Holland America Line fleet. The liner spent the day anchored just off Mgarr Harbour after having left the Grand Harbour early in the morning.More at: pr27.
MTA launches Hotel Worker of the Year 2009
Following the successful launch of the Hotel Worker of the Year award in 2008, the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) is once again organising this prestigious award for the hotel sector as part of the 2009 STAR (Special Thanks And Recognition) Awards.More at: pr29.
Popular Belgian reality TV show filmed in Malta
Between the 9th and the 13th of October, Mercator, a popular Belgian reality TV game show was being filmed in Malta. The production is aired on ÉÉN, the Flemish equivalent to TVM in Malta, which station boasts viewer ship of 45% of the market. The show was such a success that RTBF, the Public broadcaster for the French speaking part of Belgium, decided to broadcast the show as well.More at: pr16.
Calendar Of Events:
- 01 Mar - 10 Apr
- LUNCHTIME CONCERTS (Carmelite Priory - Mdina)
- 09 Feb - 05 Mar
- JOURNEY WITH CARAVAGGIO (Auberge d'Italie, Merchants Street - Valletta)
- 05-07 Mar
- HORIZONS (MITP Theatre - Valletta)
- 05-06 Mar
- SHADES: A SAXAPHONE AND PIANO CONCERT (Sagrestia Vault - Valletta Waterfront)
- 06 Mar
- HANDEL'S MESSIAH (Mdina Metropolitan Cathedral - Mdina)
- 07 Mar
- CULTURAL TOUR - VALLETTA AND FLORIANA (Valletta and Floriana)
- IN GUARDIA PARADE (Fort St Elmo - Valletta)
- 12 Mar
- FEAST OF CHRIST THE REDEEMER (Senglea)
- 12-14 Mar
- A THREE DAY CULTURAL FESTIVAL "IS-SAGRA TA' SAN GIRGOR" (Kercem (Gozo))
- PAINTING BY NUMBERS (St. James Cavalier - Valletta)
- 13 Mar
- A MELODY TRIP (Sala Isouard - The Manoel Theatre, Valletta)
- AN EVENING IN SPRING - SPANISH EVENING (Calypso Hotel - Marsalforn, Gozo)
- 13-14 Mar
- THE LITTLE BIG CLUB MALTA (St. Agatha Theatre - Rabat, Malta)
- TEECHERS (Ministry for Gozo Exhibition Hall - Victoria, Gozo)
- 14 Mar
- ALARME RE-ENACTMENTS (Fort St Elmo - Valletta)
- 17-24 Mar
- BOV OPERA FESTIVAL (The Manoel Theatre - Valletta)
- 19 Mar
- FEAST OF ST JOSEPH (Rabat)
- 19-20 Mar
- JIEM IL-ĠONNA (GARDEN FESTIVAL) (Balzan)
- 19-22 Mar
- SEĦER IL-PUNENT - GHARB FESTIVAL (Għarb, Gozo)
- 20-21 Mar
- GIGI D'AGOSTINO (Sky Club)
- 21 Mar
- IN GUARDIA PARADE (Fort St Elmo - Valletta)
- 27-28 Mar
- OPERETTA - "SCUGNIZZA" (The Manoel Theatre - Valletta)
- 28 Mar
- PALM SUNDAY (Various Locations)
- NATIONAL DUATHLON CHAMPIONSHIP (Salina Bay)
- IN GUARDIA PARADE (Fort St Elmo - Valletta)
- 28 Mar - 04 Apr
- HOLY WEEK AND EASTER (Malta & Gozo)
- 28 Mar - 25 Apr
- EDWARD CARUANA DINGLI (1876-1950) (The Palace - Valletta)
- 31 Mar
- FREEDOM DAY (Malta & Gozo)
- "DIED FOR OUR SALVATION" (Dingli)
- 02 Apr
- GOOD FRIDAY (Malta & Gozo)
- 03 Apr
- RONAN KEATING LIVE (MFCC - Ta' Qali)
- 03-11 Apr
- HISTORY IN SCALE MODEL EXPO (Malta Aviation Museum - Ta' Qali)
- 04 Apr
- EASTER SUNDAY (Malta & Gozo)
- 06-11 Apr
- MALTA RALLY 2010 (Malta)
- 08-11 Apr
- INTERNATIONAL SWIM MEET (Malta)
- 09-11 Apr
- MEDIEVAL MDINA PAGEANTRY & FLOWER FESTIVAL (Mdina)
- 10 Apr
- FEAST OF ST. VINCENT (Valletta)
- 11 Apr
- SPRING FESTIVAL (Qormi)
- EXHIBITION OF TRADITIONAL CRAFTS (San Gwann)
- EMIRATES - MALTA RACING CLUB CUP CHALLENGE (Malta Racing Club - Marsa)
- ALARME RE-ENACTMENTS (Fort St Elmo - Valletta)
- 15 Apr
- COMMEMORATION OF THE AWARD OF THE GEORGE CROSS (St George's Square - Valletta)
- 16-18 Apr
- "THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST" (The Manoel Theatre - Valletta)
- 17-18 Apr
- VISIT BY POPE BENEDICT XVI (Various Locations)
- "TAP RELOADED" (Mediterranean Conference Centre - Valeltta)
- 18 Apr
- IN GUARDIA PARADE (Fort St Elmo - Valletta)
- 21 Apr
- FOOTBALL MATCH - MALTA VS ROMANIA (Centenary Stadium - Ta' Qali)
- 23-25 Apr
- ILWIEN IR-REBBIEGĦA (SPRING COLOURS) (Żebbuġ, Gozo)
- STRANGE BIRD - BEING CARAVAGGIO (The Manoel Theatre - Valletta)
- 24 Apr
- THE 4TH MECHANICAL GROUND FIREWORKS DISPLAY (Floriana)
- 24-25 Apr
- LOCAL TRADITIONS & AGRICULTURE (Dingli)
- 25 Apr
- FEAST OF ST PUBLIUS (Floriana)
- IN GUARDIA PARADE (Fort St Elmo, Valletta)
- FESTA FRAWLI (Mgarr (Malta))
- 29 Apr - 02 May
- TRADITIONAL CRAFTS EVENING (Sta. Venera)
- 29-30 Apr
- MALTA INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS FESTIVAL (Grand Harbour, Valletta)
- 30 Apr - 01 May
- MALTA YOUTH RUGBY FESTIVAL (Malta)
- 30 Apr
- CHAMBER ORCHESTRA (The Manoel Theatre, Valletta)
- PRODIGY IN CONCERT (MFCC, Ta' Qali) <-->
More news:
New Mdina Tourist Information Office inaugurated
On the 25th of September, the Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, the Hon. Dr Mario de Marco inaugurated the Malta Tourism Auhtority (MTA)’s new Tourist Information Office in Mdina. The MTA will be running the office together with the Mdina Local Council.More at: pr7.
MTA organises E-Marketing Seminar
A forum on E-Marketing for the local hotel industry, was held on the 10th September at the Imperial Hotel Sliema. This was the first of a series of seminars which the MTA Trade Support Division has in the pipeline, in order to keep local tourism operators up-to-date with what is happening in the global tourism market.More at: pr21.
Career Education DVDs developed by MTA
Last year, the Industry and HR division of the Malta Tourism Authority, helped in the production of an educational TV series, ‘L-Impjegati’. The follow up of this series resulted in the release of ‘L-Impjegati’ as a light entertaining documentary style DVD series.More at: pr17.
On-going Malta promotions through overseas Embassies and MTA offices
In line with the Government’s policy to promote Malta through its embassies, in September a new initiative was co-organized by Air Malta, the Embassy of Malta in Belgium and the Malta Tourism Authority Benelux.More at: pr18.
Boiler Wharf launched as cruise liner berth
IntroMore at: pr19.
Malta Tourism Authority sponsors the Try Dive with BSAC 2009 campaign
BSAC together with the Malta Tourism Authority launched its ‘Try Dive with BSAC 2009’ campaign, designed to introduce learning to dive to a completely new audience.More at: pr13.
Malta Tourism Authority Marks World Tourism Day
The 27th of September marks the international celebration of World Tourism Day (WTD) and once again the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) organised a varied programme of activities to commemorate the day.More at: pr6.
MTA UK director featured in Town Magazine
Alex Incorvaja, the relatively recently appointed director of the MTA UK office talks about himself, how he ended up in the hospitality industry and now selling the Maltese Islands for a living.More at: pr11.
German company DMT assigned by Maltese government to create virtual hypogeum model
Within the framework of a pan-European tender, the Department of Contracts of the Maltese government has assigned German company DMT from Essen, Northrhine-Westphalia, to create a virtual model of the Hal-Saflieni Hypogeum. By means of a 3D laser scanner an accessible virtual model will be created in order to make the site virtually accessible and thus open to an even broader public.More at: pr12.
MTA appoints New Marketing Manager for Switzerland
The Malta Tourism Authority has appointed Mr Louis Burgess to the position of marketing manager for Switzerland with effect from 26th October 2009.More at: pr25.