Football legend Dimitar Berbatov shared his enchanting experience in Malta. The former Manchester United star expressed his fondness for the picturesque island, attributing its allure to the sun, warm weather, and breathtaking views. Berbatov praised the welcoming locals, delectable cuisine, and the overall sense of peace he felt during his visit. Delving into the flexibility of Maltese eateries, he commended their ability to cater to diverse dietary preferences. The interview also touched on Berbatov's interaction with Manchester United supporters in Malta, providing a glimpse into the camaraderie that transcends borders and football stadiums.  

 

The Mediterranean paradise is ahead of the curve

  With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, one of the highest in Europe, it’s no surprise Malta is popular amongst British travellers, but the island is more than just a Mediterranean paradise. Leading the way across top 2024 travel trends such as set jetting and cultural tourism. Below, discover what makes Malta a top destination for 2024.   Set-Jetting – Gladiator 2, Napoleon and Troy   New research reveals that more than a third (37%) of British travellers have previously visited a destination because a favourite film or TV show has been filmed there, with a further 45% of those surveyed who haven’t travelled expressing a desire to do so.   As a nation we love nothing more than getting settled on the sofa and being whisked away to an exotic paradise (both fictional and otherwise) through the power of film and television, leaving many of us with a burning desire to visit these locations ourselves (90%).   Thanks to the plethora of entertainment available at our fingertips, and the rise in the nation’s binge-watching habits, movie tourism or ‘set-jetting’ as it’s better known is a trend that is continuing to grow.   From Sci-Fi’s (31%) and drama’s (31%) to thrillers (30%) and rom-com’s (26%), fans of every style are interested in visiting their favourite destination from the big or small screen, however the genre that we would most like to get up close to are those of historical epic’s such as Gladiator, Troy, or this year’s next blockbuster, Napoleon (45%).   Directed by Ridley Scott and staring Academy Award winner Joaquin Phoenix, Napoleon is set to be released later this month and is the latest in a long line of hit movies to be filmed in Malta (along with Gladiator, Troy, and Jurassic World: Dominion amongst others).   The Malta Film Studios has been operating for more than half a century and is one of the largest production facilities in the world having serviced over 200 feature films, TV shows, documentaries, and commercials.   Culture Tourism – Malta’s Inaugural Biennale   A nation of ‘culture vultures’, cultural enrichment is high on the list for Brits looking to get away this winter. With Malta set to host its first art biennale, the archipelago is ready to offer something new to travellers.   New research reveals an overwhelming majority of Brits (93%) are interested in soaking up local arts and culture when holidaying abroad. Almost two thirds of those surveyed (63%) have visited a location because of the arts and cultural experiences they have on offer with a destination's cultural offering (61%) amongst the key considerations for Brits when deciding on where they holiday abroad.   With over 7,000 years of history, the Maltese Islands are steeped in culture and heritage which is reflected in the country’s national architecture and collections, so much so that the nation’s capital – Valletta, was named European Capital of Culture in 2018 becoming the first world heritage city to achieve this. The survey reveals that four in five of us (81%) would be more inclined visit a destination if it was given the title of 'European Capital of Culture' positioning Malta, and Valletta in particular, as a fantastic destination for Brits looking to get away for some cultural enrichment this winter.   The islands are crammed with striking remnants of the past including ancient wonders built by Malta’s early inhabitants 5,000 years ago such as the medieval fortress city of Mdina with its foundations in the Bronze Age, and the forts and fortifications around the Grand Harbour built by the Knights of St John.   The arts also play a huge role in Maltese culture with The National Museum of Fine Arts exhibiting some magnificent art, ranging from the early Renaissance, and the island’s theatres and opera houses offering a wide selection of plays, musicals, operas, and concerts. In 2024, Malta is to host their first art biennale, which has just been granted UNESCO Patronage and will further establish Malta’s credentials as a destination for art and culture enthusiasts.

  The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, granted its patronage to maltabiennale.art, which will be held in Malta for the first time in 2024. UNESCO's patronage is considered as a high form of recognition for this art festival, which has already garnered a strong and encouraging global response from artists, and is clearly set to become Malta’s focal cultural event of 2024.   Through contemporary art, maltabiennale.art will be investigating the Mediterranean, reflected in the theme for the biennale's first edition: Baħar Abjad Imsaġar taż-Żebbuġ (White Sea Olive Groves). The biennale will unfold across Malta and Gozo, mainly within Heritage Malta's historic sites, many of which have been declared by UNESCO as being World Heritage Sites, including the capital Valletta and Gozo's Ġgantija Megalithic Temple Complex   UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay expressed how UNESCO's aims are perfectly reflected in maltabiennale.art's dialogue between Mediterranean art and cultures, and how this led the organisation to grant its patronage to the maltabiennale.art 2024.   Maltabiennale.art 2024 will be opening its doors on the 11^th March 2024, and will welcome visitors until the end of May 2024. The event will be officially inaugurated by the President of Malta, his Excellency Dr. George Vella.

Due to a stronger than-forecasted year, they have updated arrivals from low 1 million to 2 million for 2022. Recovery has been assisted by the full return of the airlift. Local residents have been resentful of over-tourism, necessitating a change in the tourism product to make sure it serves the locals. Thus a focus is being placed on nitch tourism (i.e. sports, cultural, etc.). Malta has also been encouraging restaurants to source locally produced foods, which is a criterion for Micheline ratings.

Party Hard Travel is set to launch Malta as a new destination for 2022 in April It marks the launch with a 10-day content creators’ takeover at the new Bora-Bora Ibiza Malta. Up to 100 content creators and influencers will be hosted by Party Hard Travel during the takeover at the Bora-Bora Ibiza Malta, which opened on 31 March 2022. The creators will experience the opening parties for the destination and different venues across the island, including Sky Club, Bora-Bora Playa Beach Club and the Med Asia Playa. It will also mark the launch of Champagne Sessions with Ellie Sax and BTAY performing live at Bora-Bora Beach Club. Party Hard Travel’s co-founder Nathan Cable said: “We’re giving content creators the chance to join us for the opening parties and be amongst the first to experience our newest Party Hard Travel destination.” At the takeover, Party Hard is launching a new competition for a seven night party holiday for up to three guests including the Ultimate Events Package with VIP Upgrades. Influencer activity is key to Party Hard Travel’s marketing strategy for 2022, with the launch of Party Hard TV on YouTube. Natalie Swinburne, Trade Marketing Manager at Malta Tourism Authority said: “We are very excited that Party Hard Travel has introduced Malta as a new destination. Malta has a thriving nightlife scene, a huge calendar of events and festivals as well as year-round sunshine and plenty of outdoor activities.”

Malta is proceeding with its Covid-19 exit roadmap as planned. Despite increase in daily cases region-wide, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control says Malta had the lowest rate of Covid-related ITU occupancy across the EU. This, and the majority of the Maltese population having now received the third dose of the vaccine, will lead to further relaxing of measures. From Monday 11 April, incoming travellers from a country on the red list will be allowed in with a negative PCR test (taken up to 72 hours prior to arrival) or a recognised Covid recovery certificate which should not be older than 180 days. Apart from this, Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister also announced from 10 April, a vaccine certificate is no longer needed for persons to attend standing outdoor events, or seated indoor events. “The decision to ease further restrictions related to travel continues to be a turning point in the Government’s efforts to drive the Maltese Islands back to normality,” said Minister for Tourism Clayton Bartolo. “This announcement will definitely continue to pave the way forward for the tourism sector to continue recovering after the pandemic. Persons who are not fully vaccinated will be able to visit Malta without the need for mandatory quarantine,” said Johann Buttigieg, Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Tourism Authority. “This is great news for the tourism industry and we look forward to welcoming everyone back”