2023 proved to be a record-breaker in tourism numbers. This was revealed by the National Statistics Office (NSO), whose figures revealed that the total inbound tourists for the year of 2023 amounted to 2,975,670.

This marked a 30.1 per cent rise when compared to the corresponding period in 2022. 2023’s record figure breaks earlier record set in 2019, that of 2,771,888 visitors to the islands.

Overall, NSO noted that in 2023 the total tourist expenditure was estimated at €2.7 billion, an increase of 32.7 per cent than that recorded for 2022.

The total nights spent by inbound tourists also increased by 21.9 per cent, exceeding 20.2 million nights. Additionally, an increase was also noted in the expenditure per capita, from €880 in 2022 to €898 in 2023.

Expanding further on figures recorded in December 2023, NSO explained that a during the month under review a total of 144,301 tourists vised the islands for holiday purposes. Meanwhile, 9,156 tourists visited for business purposes. 84.8 per cent of which chose to stay in rented accommodation establishments.

The majority of the tourists were aged between 25 and 44 years old at 42.1 per cent, followed by the 45-64 age bracket at 32.1 per cent.

In total, British, Italian and Polish residents made up for 45.4 per cent of total inbound tourists.

In December the total nights spent by tourists also increased. With a marked rise of 9.9 per cent when compared to the corresponding month in 2022, tourists spent almost 1.1 million nights in Malta.

Meanwhile the average length of stay of total inbound tourists stood at 6.7 nights.

The overall spending by tourists nearly reached €116.7 million, marking a 15 per cent rise compared to the same month in 2022. The average expenditure per night was estimated at €109.8.

article credits: https://businessnow.mt/2023-breaks-records-for-highest-number-of-tourism-arrivals-in-maltas-history/?fbclid=IwAR34xWgWELfVgOIuqMV5bJPXmIxUF_dqyrad-MWXDf1koj0Up9EFxVQkoPw  

Thank you, Malta & Gozo, for a fabulous culinary journey 😊🇲🇹

A big thank you to you all for watching Ainsley’s Taste of Malta – I hope you enjoyed the series and all the delights that Malta has to offer (I know I did!).

Big love to all the people we met and filmed with – such generous, welcoming people and a joy to work with. Thank you and I hope you enjoyed being part of the show. 😊

All the recipes from Ainsley’s Taste of Malta are up on my website – link in bio. I hope you enjoy trying them at home xx

credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C3IaNmoIm0L/?igsh=Yzg2bWY0N3hoZ2h4

Kurt Paben – Chief Executive Officer at Hosts Global

“At our Hosts Global Forum last week Colours of Malta was awarded Hosts Global DMC of the Year International.

Our most coveted award, the highest honour for a Hosts Global Member DMC, showcasing every facet of greatness in our industry…from brilliant and bold planning, flawless service execution, operational excellence, ferocious creativity, and unmatched client satisfaction, this award encompasses and epitomizes what it means to be a Hosts Global Member DMC.

davide cachia and the rest of the Colours of Malta team was nothing short of extraorindary in partnering with us to produce Hosts Global Forum.

This honour is well deserved. Go to Malta folks and you’ll see why!?

OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE

Main Role:

The Operations Executive has a role of key importance as a team member of Colours of Malta. The main duties consist of direct contact with the client and with the main suppliers. The objective is direct communication with both suppliers and clients and to guarantee the best services and prices available to complete the Event according to the client’s specifications.

Responsibilities:

Receive and respond to group requests. 

Sales duties and responsibilities. The sales duties are related to the requests from the clients and to selling all the services available. This is done through the suppliers and to optimize the sales by convincing the clients to purchase more and upgraded services on a confirmed event,

Operations duties and responsibilities: this consists of assisting the client when they are on-site and guaranteeing that all services are provided as requested and specified in our proposals. The responsibilities are to communicate with the suppliers and always provide the best solutions to the client.

Coordinate and organize conference and incentive groups from the confirmation stage to completion. Working closely with team members during the organization, and actual operation of the event.

Requirements:

Fluent in English, Italian, and/or French – any other languages are also an asset

Proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint, excel etc.

Please send cv to [email protected]

Colours of Malta, Malta’s leading DMC, proudly announces its partnership as the official sponsor of the Malta Triathlon national athletes’ cycle wear.

As part of this sponsorship, Colours of Malta will provide top-quality athletic gear for the National athletes, ensuring that they are equipped with the best-in-class apparel for optimal performance. The partnership will be showcased during the prestigious Lovadino Youth Triathlon Championships in Italy, Triathlon Championships in Banyoles Spain, and the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago, along with several other esteemed international triathlon events.

The collaboration not only supports the athletes but also reinforces Colours of Malta’s commitment to promoting the growth of sports amongst youth athletes.

L’arcipelago maltese, nel cuore del Mediterraneo, a meno di 2h di volo dall’Italia, permette di staccare dalla propria routine, di uscire dai propri schemi e dalla propria quotidianità, che anche se per lavoro, ci permette di concederci una pausa da quelle cattive abitudini a cui tutti siamo molto attaccati.

Una destinazione che offre un mix di cultura, storia, natura ed esperienze, in grado di rispondere alle richieste più esigenti della MICE industry, una meta che favorisce la costruzione di un equilibrio, permettendoci di staccare la spina.

Degli scenari di natura selvaggia, incontaminata ed autentica, dove l’immergerci in essa ci permette di avvicinarci alla nostra essenza, abbassando gli stati di tristezza, ansia e stress.

La natura fa bene al corpo e alla mente, la luce solare costituisce un’ondata di puro benessere in grado di rivitalizzare l’organismo, la Dottoressa Bormetti ci dice infatti: “20 minuti in natura sono sufficienti per migliorare umore e aumentare il pensiero creativo. Quindi staccare la spina dalla routine quotidiana e immergersi in paesaggi naturali è essenziale per la salute mentale.”

E perché non rendere lo scenario autentico delle isole maltesi la sede del proprio evento?

Isabella Maggi, Marketing&Communication Director del Gruppo Gattinoni commenta ” Per il Gruppo Gattinoni Malta rappresenta una destinazione molto interessante sotto molteplici aspetti. Innanzitutto per il suo clima molto mite che permette di goderla tutto l’anno, sia da parte dei nostri viaggiatori sia anche per l’organizzazione di eventi e incentive per le aziende. A questo proposito, grazie all’ampia varietà di strutture ed esperienze che si possono fare, Malta soprattutto negli ultimi anni ci ha permesso di offrire ai nostri clienti un ventaglio ampio di proposte e di andare incontro alle esigenze delle aziende in maniera tailor made”.

Conclude Ester Tamasi, Direttore di VisitMalta Italia “Sempre positivo l’andamento del segmento MICE a Malta che può contare su operatori che dedicano la massima attenzione al settore e offrono un’impeccabile qualità del servizio e continua innovazione nei programmi.
Risultati raggiunti anche grazie alla collaborazione con partner come Gattinoni che sanno interpretare e comunicare perfettamente le potenzialità della destinazione.
Malta è una meta poliedrica, flessibile e smart, che consente un approccio olistico all’organizzazione di un evento e quindi perfetta per la creazione di programmi costruiti ad hoc sulle necessità dei clienti, come la formula retreat che  permette di entrare in pieno contatto con il territorio, per un’immersione completa nell’identità locale,  con un’attenzione sempre alta al benessere degli ospiti.
L’arcipelago maltese rappresenta un luogo ideale dove resettare il proprio equilibrio, ricalibrare la propria attenzione e identificare nuovi obiettivi.”

Leggete l’articolo completo qui: https://www.maltameeting.it/attivita-marketing/visitmalta-e-gattinoni-malta-tra-emozioni-e-relax-suggestioni-per-eventi-che-catturano-lattenzione/

Wandering through the cliffside gardens of the capital Valletta or the peaceful streets of the medieval city of Mdina, you can’t help but feel you’re in an extraordinary place. Malta, a three-island archipelago in the heart of the Mediterranean just south of Sicily, brims with 8,000 years of history and cultural influences from the Phoenicians to the Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Sicilians, the Knights of Malta (the Knights Hospitaller), French and British.

“Malta is a melting pot of cultures and has always been a very crafty nation,” says Malta native Luisa Alden Sullivan, the luxury and corporate business manager of Citrus Travel. “You can see the craft of the Maltese through the ages just by looking at the architecture. There are so many unique souvenirs that are original and exclusive to Malta — we have incredible artisanal traditions.”

Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind art and home decor, intricate Maltese lace, filigree jewelry, locally produced wines or premium sea salt, these souvenirs will bring back fond memories of Malta for years to come.

Heritage crafts

Across Malta, beautiful Baroque-style limestone buildings and architectural details make the island’s cities and towns a delight to explore. One of the first things you’ll notice is the impressive bronze-cast door knockers.

Traditionally a symbol of a family’s wealth and status, these beautiful adornments come in many different shapes and styles, from a simple ball with a circular ring to lion’s heads, dolphins and the eight-pointed Maltese Cross (an emblem of the Knights Hospitaller).

If you’re keen to take home a gleaming door knocker, head to the Artisans Centre on Republic Street in Valletta to find a few options. For a custom creation, reach out to Funderija Artistika, an artistic bronze foundry that crafts gorgeous handmade pieces in shapes like monstera deliciosa leaves, scallop shells and seahorses.

Another heritage craft worth seeking out is handmade Maltese lace, or bizzilla. Known for its complex bobbin lace (or pillow lace) technique, whose roots go back to Genoa, Italy, Maltese lace flourished in the 17th century when affluent families would commission tablecloths, runners, baptism dresses, wedding veils, shawls, scarves, jackets, shirt collars and fans featuring distinct local symbols like the Maltese cross.

“I would say that the most interesting souvenir would have to be the Maltese lace since it is so intricate and takes a lot of time and patience to make,” Sullivan says.

One of the best places to find authentic pieces is on Gozo Island, where local lacemakers craft bizzilla on their doorsteps. If you are pressed for time, swing by Ta’ Qali Crafts Village just outside of the ancient town of Attard, in central Malta, to shop for beautiful Maltese lace alongside many other local crafts like delicate silver and gold filigree jewelry or hand-blown glass sculptures, vases and baubles by Mdina Glass.

Gourmet delights

With pastries, wines, prickly pear jam, olives and Gozo cheese, Malta has no shortage of gourmet souvenirs to bring home.

If you’re into wine, head to Marsovin, a fourth-generation winery with five private estates across the islands and an atmospheric 400-year-old cellar near Valletta that hosts intimate tastings (reservations required). It’s known for its premium reds — try the aromatic Primus (a blend of shiraz and native gellewza grapes) or the intense, velvety Marnisi Organic (with cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc) — but you can also find excellent chardonnay, rosé and sparkling wines.

“Our tradition of wine-making dates to the time of the Roman occupation in Malta. We have fantastic grape-growing conditions thanks to our hot summers, mild winters and rocky soil full of natural minerals,” Sullivan says. “And since we are an island nation, we do not have a lot of natural resources like fresh water. So, of course, the Romans and the locals had to get a little creative when they needed to quench their thirst.”

For those craving a sweet treat, pick up traditional Maltese nougat, or qubbajt. There are a couple of common variations — a soft, white version with almonds and hazelnuts and a dark, hard style akin to a nut brittle. Long associated with celebrations since the days of the Knights of St. John, qubbajt can be found at village festivals and markets across the island. If you want to visit a local bakery, Beehive Confectionary on the main island and Savina on Gozo Island are highly recommended.

While you’re in Gozo, head to the northern coast to see the incredible 350-year-old salt pans where Leli Tal-Melhcontinues to cultivate salt using traditional natural methods. Known for producing natural, premium salt prized for its purity and flavor, the fifth-generation family-owned company operates a charming little shop carved into the limestone cliffs where you can stock up on this artisanal seasoning.

Unique homeware and accessories

To dive into the local creative scene, head over to il-lokal on Old Bakery Street in Valletta. A champion of local art and design, this excellent concept shop showcases a mix of ceramics, prints, home accessories, clothes and jewelry from Maltese or Malta-based creatives.

Take home quirky finds like Babau espresso cups (babau being the Mediterranean version of the bogeyman), geometric earrings by Frankly Bold, atmospheric prints by Ed Dingli or a playful pastizzi sculpture (inspired by ubiquitous local pastries of the same name) by Kane Cali.

Another destination for distinctly local goods, Villa Bologna Pottery, traces its history back to the 1920s when it was initially known as St Mary’s Ceramics. The light and airy boutique and studio in Attard is a must-visit destination for distinctly Maltese ceramics inspired by local marine life, landscapes and traditional motifs. You’ll discover all sorts of gorgeous pieces, from hand-painted dolphin lamps to bowls, fish-shaped “glug glug” jugs and coffee mugs, plus colorful table linens and home accessories. The owners also just opened a restaurant next door, where you can enjoy casual Italian bites and tipples in the Baroque villa’s lush garden courtyard.

Looking for one-of-a-kind accessories? Set in the ancient fortified city of Birgu on the Grand Harbour, Birgu Blueworkshop and atelier specializes in locally crafted products, including its own brand of hand-stitched leather products made in-house, silk scarves, homeware, kitchenware, homemade jams and Maltese wines.

Article credits: https://stories.forbestravelguide.com/the-best-souvenirs-to-buy-in-malta