Michelle Buttigieg, North American Representative of the Malta Tourism Authority ( MTA ), welcomed guests and noted that the 2023 total number of visitors from the U. S. was 55, 096, an increase of 35.6 % over 2022 and a 9 % increase over 2019 pre- COVID numbers. Canada also showed a 36.3 % growth ( 20, 820 ) over 2022 and an increase of 7.5 % when compared to 2019 ( pre- COVID figures ). Buttigieg credited the increase with help of Malta’s travel industry partners such as Virtuoso, USTOA ( United States Tour Operators Association ), Travel Agent Academy, as well as MTA’s diverse but precise promotional efforts.
Buttigieg finally introduced H. E. Ambassador Vanessa Frazier, Permanent Representative of Malta to the United Nations in New York, who delivered remarks on Malta’s growing reputation in the global community and more specifically in the U. S. Ambassador Frazier said that she was really pleased to host MTA’s first official function at the new house of Malta’s Permanent Mission to the UN and looks forward to hosting more commerce focused events.
Hidden Gem Known as Malta, No But Hidden Anymore
A video message from MTA CEO Carlo Micallef, noted that” Malta, for many years, was considered the hidden gem of the Mediterranean, but through the hard work of our MTA Representative in NY, Michelle Buttigieg, her team and our partners in the U. S., Malta is n’t so hidden anymore”.
Luxury Malta presenters: Jason Allan, MD, Specifically Malta, H. E. Amb. Vanessa Frazier, Christophe Berger, Michelle Buttigieg, and Rodolfo Cresta – Corporate &, PREMIUM Sales Director, ME Melia )
A panel discussion focused on” Luxury Malta”, starting with Christophe Berger, Director of VisitMalta Incentives &, Sessions, who discussed the development of Malta’s luxury hotel product, and noted that Malta continues to maintain its position as a leader in sailboat &, superyacht membership, as the largest file in Europe, as nicely as part of the top 10 registered in the world. Berger also noted that the collaborations with the Forbes Guide and participation of Malta in the Michelin Guide have even put Malta on the leisure travel map. Jason Allan, from Only Malta, a Virtuoso Preferred Supplier, shared insights into pleasure customized experiences that take advantage of Malta’s rich history, tradition, variety and gastronomy. He noted that “luxury is no defined by a price tag and that guests are seeking to encounter Malta through the visitors and their stories”. Rodolfo Cresta, of Melia Hotels International, provided an overview of the impending new lodge starting named ME Malta by Melia in St. Julians, more enhancing the country’s luxury kindness products.
Luxury Malta participants: Jason Allan, MD, Specifically Malta, H. E. Amb. Vanessa Frazier, Christophe Berger, Michelle Buttigieg, and Rodolfo Cresta – Corporate &, PREMIUM Sales Director, ME Melia )
Malta and its sister territories Gozo and Comino, an island in the Mediterranean, boasts a year round sunshine culture and 8, 000 decades of interesting history. It is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Valletta, Malta’s Capital, built by the happy Knights of St. John. Malta has the oldest complimentary- standing stone architecture in the world, showcasing one of the British Empire’s most fearsome defense systems, and includes a wealthy mix of local, spiritual and military structures from the ancient, medieval and early modern periods. Rich in culture, Malta has a year- round calendar of events and festivals, attractive beaches, yachting, trendy gastronomical scene with 6 Michelin- starred restaurants and a thriving nightlife, there is something for everyone.
Malta Featured for 3rd Year on Forbes Travel Guide Luxury Star Awards
SOURCE: The Malta Tourism Authority Presents” Luxury Malta” in New York BY: eTurboNews | eTN
