Holiday Inn is set to launch at the heart of St Julian’s, adding to Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Eden Leisure Group’s growing list of hotels in Malta.

IHG and Eden Leisure Group are targeting an opening date at the start of 2024, after a management agreement between the two companies was signed in 2019, Eden Leisure Group CEO Simon De Cesare confirmed.

Plans for the 168-room hotel were “put on hold for a little while during the COVID-19 pandemic,” yet after building permits were granted in January, Eden Leisure Group has been “demolishing and excavating since,” Mr De Cesare said.

While Malta already has a high amount of bed stock, so much so that Mr De Cesare would “in most instances” advise against new hotels, this is Eden Leisure Group’s third hotel under IHG’s management, with the two companies already having the three-star limited-service Holiday Inn Express hotel, as well as the five-star luxury Intercontinental Malta hotel.

“This four-star Holiday Inn hotel would allow us significant flexibility and synergy between our brands and our management,” he added.

“The proximity of the properties and the economics of scale will be immeasurable,” Mr De Cesare continued.

Given the wide array of hotels in Malta available for visitors to choose from, establishing a key target market is a must, and while Holiday Inn is “traditionally a family hotel,” through the “synergies mentioned, it will also cater to the corporate market”, he concluded.

IHG Hotels and Resorts is one of the world’s leading hotel companies, with over 6,028 hotels from several brands currently under its control in more than 100 different countries.

Eden Leisure Group has been the “forefront of hospitality and entertainment in Malta” since the country’s early days of tourism more than 50 years ago, and now operates several entertainment and leisure venues, including the Eden Cinemas and the Eden Superbowl.

Mr De Cesare was named CEO of the company in 2018, using his vast experience in the entertainment industry to help Eden Leisure Group progress even more.

Article credits: https://whoswho.mt/en/holiday-inn-set-to-land-in-malta-in-2024

Opera legend Plácido Domingo will be Joseph Calleja’s special guest at the Maltese tenor’s 25th anniversary concert being held in the spectacular surroundings of Fort Manoel in Malta on July 26.

Acknowledged as one of the finest-ever singers, Domingo has almost reached 4,100 performances in a stellar career that has made him a household name both as a tenor and a conductor.

Calleja, who has just completed the recording of his sixth album for Decca Records on the back of a critically acclaimed run in New York, said:

“The Maestro needs no introduction. His talent, stamina and love for the opera world are revered the world over and what I can promise is that this will be a concert to remember. Placido and I have sung together abroad, but to perform with him in my homeland is a dream come true. My first big break in opera came in the 1999 edition of his annual Operalia competition and I have wanted to get him over to Malta ever since.”

Domingo said: “I am very happy and proud of Joseph’s beautiful artistic trajectory with his generous voice and admirable extension. I gladly welcome his invitation to participate in this concert to commemorate the first quarter century of his career! I was privileged to share the stage with Joseph on two memorable Simon Boccanegra productions and now I am thrilled at the chance of making my Malta debut with him, in his homeland!”

The Maltese tenor continues to grace the world’s leading opera houses and concert halls in his silver jubilee year which will see him perform in France, Germany, the UK and Australia among others.

Domingo, whose repertoire encompasses more than 150 roles, has continued uninterrupted his extraordinary artistic career for more than half a century and this year, after having sung in Madrid, Moscow, Paris, Palermo, Salzburg, Versailles, Buenos Aires and Budapest, he is expected to return to Italy, Austria, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Spain, Slovenia, Mexico and South America.

The fitting venue for this spectacular concert, which will also feature the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, was originally built by the Knights in 1723 to defend Valletta under the patronage of Portugese Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena and underwent meticulous restoration thanks to Midi plc.

Joseph Calleja – 25th Anniversary Concert is being produced by Mint Media with the support of the Malta Tourism Authority, The European Foundation for Support of Culture, Bank of Valletta and Midi.

MaltaTourism Authority Chairman Gavin Gulia said: “When we speak of Maltese Cultural Ambassadors who – through their exceptional talent – give visibility to the Maltese Islands and their endless beauty, one cannot but not think of The Maltese Tenor Joseph Calleja. It gives us great pleasure, as Malta Tourism Authority to support Joseph’s 25th Anniversary Concert, which this year will be held in one of the island’s most beautiful locations, making the concert even more unique. Events such as this one continue to add versatility to the Maltese Islands, by enhancing the quality of the tourism product, reaffirming once more that there truly is something for everyone in Malta.”

European Foundation for Support of Culture President Konstantin Ishkhanov said:  “The EUFSC has been collaborating with Joseph Calleja for quite some time now, both nationally and around the world, and we are always very proud and honoured to team up with him, especially for such a special occasion as this. He is undoubtedly one of the best standard-bearers of Malta’s cultural heritage, and I am certain that this event will prove, once again, to be yet another memorable triumph.”

BOV CEO Rick Hunkin said: “The Bank’s support for the annual Joseph Calleja concert encompasses Bank of Valletta’s continued support of the local arts and culture scene as part of its Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) commitment. This annual concert is back and will showcase Malta’s top talents, along with other local and international stars while a large number of children will get the opportunity to perform alongside these great artists, and for some, their first opportunity on a stage through the BOV Joseph Calleja Children’s Choir. The concert has also been an opportunity to showcase the talents of the scholars of the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation, the Bank’s collaboration with the Maltese Tenor to assist talented local artists to fulfil their potential and become Malta’s future stars.”

Tickets are available from www.showshappening.com

Article credits: https://www.mta.com.mt/en/news-details/356

Two Grammy-nominated artists will feature in this year’s popular Isle of MTV 2022. Producer & global superstar DJ Marshmello will headline Isle of MTV Malta 2022 followed by the multi-platinum artist, entrepreneur and humanitarian French Montana!

DJ Marshmello

Marshmello’s songs “Silence,” “Wolves,” “Friends,” “Happier,” and “Alone” have been certified multi-platinum in several countries and appeared in the Top 30 of the Billboard Hot 100. Marshmello has been awarded Best Electronic at the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards, his first major award win, and his fourth studio album, Shockwave, earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Album in 2021.

“I am stoked live events are back and I can’t wait to hit the Isle of MTV Malta stage for the first time to perform in front of a high-energy crowd in such a beautiful location,” said Marshmello. “It’s going to be epic!” “MTV has a longstanding relationship with Marshmello and we’re excited to have this global superstar headlining Isle of MTV Malta for the festival’s big return,” said Bruce Gillmer, President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events, Paramount and Chief Content Officer, Music, Paramount+.

French Montana

Some artists blur genres, but French Montana blurs borders. His inimitable fusion of classic East Coast rhymes, wavy pop swagger, and international ambition elevated him to the forefront of the game on a global scale. 2017 saw him ascend to superstar status with the blockbuster smash “Unforgettable” [feat. Swae Lee], which cemented him in the “Billion Club” for streaming and earned a Diamond certification in Canada. Meanwhile, his sophomore effort, JUNGLE RULES, went platinum in Canada and dominated the charts and his 2019 album MONTANA is certified gold. He closed 2020 with the release of the long-anticipated CB5 (Coke Boys 5) mixtape, continuing a legacy he started over a decade ago. Now, he takes it to the next level with his latest effort They Got Amnesia.

“We’re throwing a big party at Isle of MTV in Malta and everyone’s invited!” said French Montana.

French has also left an indelible mark on communities around the globe. In addition to becoming the very first rap ambassador of Global Citizen, he staunchly supported humanitarian efforts, spanning DACA, the viral Mama Hope #UNFORGETTABLE Dance Challenge, which raised over $500,000-plus, and his Pan-African health and education movement into Morocco with Care Morocco. 2018 also saw him become a U.S. Citizen after emigrating to the South Bronx from Morocco at just 13-years-old.

Over the past 13 editions, the festival has brought tens of thousands of music fans to the square every year to enjoy showstopping performances from the world’s biggest stars, including Lady Gaga, Snoop Dogg, David Guetta and Martin Garrix.

The festival will be followed by Isle of MTV Malta Music Week, a series of club nights and parties across the hottest venues on the island, from July 19th -24th!

Article credits: https://www.visitmalta.com/en/events-in-malta-and-gozo/event/isle-of-mtv-2022/

Here’s how we set up the Xwejni salt pans in Gozo for a French group of 300 people on the 6th of May.

The salt pans in Gozo’s northerly coast just up from Marsalforn are a transfixing landmark and of vital importance, upholding an ancient trade and skill, whilst harvesting one of Gozo’s important natural raw materials – Salt. The salt pans are ingrained in the Gozitan tradition of sea salt production, a custom that has been passed down within local families for generations. During the summer months, locals can be seen scraping off salt crystals from the rock face, all collected, processed and packaged by hand!

The Phoenicians formed these salt pans to create the highly coveted salt mineral. The pans were later renovated by the Romans and then propagated by the Gozitans. This site is believed to be the world’s oldest working salt pans. Sea water fills the crevices in coastline and is left to settle for eight days. Then, it is moved to smaller salt pans that are warmer and further away from the sea. The salt crystals give a reddish hue in the beginning of the drying process as they begin to form.

Xwejni’s salt pans chequerboard pattern and shimmering mirrored reflective pools are always a dynamic sight to behold. Spanning several kilometres across Gozo’s northern coast. Today they are divided between 3 salt farmers. The intricate formation of shallow square pools and larger feeder pools.

The beaches in Malta tend to be dramatic, rocky and sea-sculpted, with fewer soft and sandy curves of Mediterranean coastline than you might expect. Despite this, the Maltese make the most of every swimming spot, and on these compact islands, water sports abound, and you’re never far from the sea.

With crystalline waters, historic wrecks, and interesting underwater formations, Malta is also Europe’s best diving destination, but even snorkeling from the island nation’s coastline offers a remarkable insight into an underwater world.

Whether you’re keen on splashing around in the waves, spending an afternoon relaxing on the sand, or enjoying a leisurely lunch of local seafood, here are the beaches to head to in Malta, and its smaller sister islands of Gozo and Comino.

View the Lonely Planet top 9 beaches in Malta here.

We are finally returning to the San Siro Stadium for our institutional event: happy to unite supply and demand in a unique and majestic location, and happy to welcome you all for a great comeback!

Save the Date
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
from 4 p.m. onwards
SAN SIRO STADIUM – Piazzale Angelo Moratti

You will be able to meet, the best locations and hotel facilities in the M&ME Network, ideal containers for your MICE events, you will be able to request quotes and facilitate weeks of work in the office!

It will be an evening full of surprises and memorable moments, don’t miss it!

Click here to subscribe to the event.

This year, Colours of Malta will be exhibiting on Malta Stand D120 between 31st May and 2nd June.

Kindly click here to find our diary and book an appointment.

We look forward to announcing Malta’s latest news to you in person!

The Maltese Islands really do have the grandest of churches – we have one for nearly ever day of the year! But often, it’s in the simplest of chapels that we can find tranquillity and peace (not to mention some of the islands’ most spectacular countryside views). Here are 8 of Malta’s prettiest wayside chapels.

1. Chapel of St John the Evangelist, Ħal Millieri, Żurrieq
This chapel is located in the now uninhabited area in Żurrieq known as Ħal Millieri. The chapel was built around 1481 but became quite dilapidated over time, which meant it had to be deconsecrated. The chapel was later reconsecrated and was eventually enlarged in 1961.

2. St Paul the Hermit, Wied il-Għasel, Mosta
Located in a cave in Wied il-Għasel (Valley of Honey), this chapel has legends surrounding its origins and is mentioned in the first history book of Malta written by Gian Frangisk Abela in 1647. By time, the chapel was abandoned due to the challenging paths to get to it.

3. St Mary’s Chapel, Marsa
St Mary’s Chapel, commonly known as Ta’ Ċeppuna, is said to be a spectacular relic of Malta’s late medieval past, and honestly, it’s just that. This gem in the south of Malta dates back to the late 15th century and was used for divine service until World War II, when it suffered extensive damages due to various air raids.

4. St Mary Magdalene Chapel, Dingli
This Roman Catholic chapel is found in the limits of Dingli, overlooking the mighty Dingli Cliffs and, naturally, boasting impeccable views. Commonly known as il-kappella tal-irdum (chapel of the cliffs), this wayside chapel was built in 1646 on the site of an earlier 15th-century chapel.

5. San Pawl tal-Qlejja, Mosta
This wayside chapel is located in the Valley called Qlejgħa or Qlejja, hence the name. It is dedicated to the Shipwreck of St Paul and dates back to 1690. The current chapel stands on the site of an older chapel that was demolished.

6. Madliena Chapel, Swieqi
The Madliena chapel was once the centre of the community in the hamlet of Madliena, but was abandoned for years on end. Two years ago though, the chapel was restored, and mass is currently celebrated every Sunday for locals in the vicinity.

7. Sanctuary of the Nativity of the Our Lady, Mellieħa
It has been said that Saint Luke painted the figure of Our Lady on the bare rock face of a natural cave in Mellieħa. Well, many locals and visitors alike believe this story, with various pilgrims coming from all over the world to visit the shrine!

8. Wied Għammieq Chapel, Kalkara
Wied Għammieq Chapel is one of the more recent ones, having been built in the 19th century. The surrounding cemetery became the resting place for hundreds who died during the cholera epidemic in 1837. Some believe that the area of Wied Għammieq may very well be haunted as tragedy struck in the 70s when two brothers, two girls, and a construction worker lost their lives on separate occasions!

Article credits: https://www.guidememalta.com/en/8-of-malta-s-stunning-wayside-chapels-then-and-now

Summer 2022’s well on track to be the season where travel makes a huge comeback, so it’s no surprise that competition in the hospitality industry’s just growing fiercer and fiercer…

The latest honour which hotels and restaurants around the globe have been fighting for is none other than the Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) Star Award.

Every year, this internationally followed travel site gathers the best and most luxurious hotels, resorts, restaurants, and spas from all over the world into one list. Every listed establishment then receives one of three ratings: recommended, four-star, or five-star – the latter being the most prestigious.

This year saw FTG publish its 64th annual list, in which critics reviewed establishments from a handful of new destinations, such as the Canary Islands, Greece, Ibiza, and Malta!

It’s safe to say that Malta kicked off its entry into the FTG Star Awards with a bang, as seven hotels around the islands were deemed good enough to make it onto the list. Here are the seven local hotelswho won the FTG awards as follows:

• Corinthia Palace Malta – 4-Star
  “Like a set from the 1960 movie ‘La Dolce Vita’, the Corinthia brand’s first hotel – with 147 rooms, including nine suits, six Executive Suites, and two Palace Suites – is a place for those who enjoy classic architecture, traditional décor, formal service, and culinary excellence.”
• Hyatt Regency Malta – Recommended
  “With more than 10 stories, plus a ‘barrier-free’ roof deck (it’s surrounded by glass panels), Hyatt Regency Malta has one of the best views in town.”
• Iniala Harbour House – 5-Star
  “Like a place you’d imagine Romeo and Juliet holding secret rendezvous, the Malta hotel’s ancient vaults are magical. The best way to enjoy one of these vaults is a soak in the spa’s indoor pool.”
• Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz – Recommended
  “Kempinski San Lawrenz makes a wonderful base from which to explore the island’s beaches, bays, and historical sites. If you need a ride, the hotel offers a complimentary bus to capital city Victoria and Ramla Beach.”
• Malta Marriott Hotel & Spa – Recommended
  “Throughout the property, from the open dining terraces to the seafront-facing rooms, you are treated to a view of Balluta Bay, the beach, and the stunning neo-Gothic architecture of the Parish Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, along with landmark art nouveau and art deco buildings.”
• Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Golden Sands – Recommended
  “Everywhere you look at Radisson Blue Resort & Spa, Golden Sands, the beautiful Mediterranean Sea calls, with gentle waves of pristine saltwater lapping against the shore of Golden Bay Beach.”
• Rosselli – AX Privilege – Recommended
  “Each of the rooms is striking and uniquely decorated in black, white, and grey hues. Furnishings look like they were curated by the Museum of Modern Art.”

Click here to see the full list of international winners.

Article credits: https://www.guidememalta.com/en/these-seven-maltese-hotels-won-forbes-travel-guide-s-2022-star-awards