Malta increases collaboration with GCC

Malta opened its borders amidst summer to welcome the GCC, the continued relationship between the government of the UAE and Malta was sealed when a fully fledged embassy was opened recently in Abu Dhabi. Claude Zammit Trevisan, Senior Manager – Destination Marketing – Russia & CIS, Japan & S. Korea, India, MENA shares its new tourism strategy with TRAVTALK.

Shehara Rizly

Exotic island for tourists in GCC

Malta is a Mediterranean destination, an island paradise, so the idea of traveling to an island archipelago, the island hopping, the small private coves is exotic. The destination with a 7000-year history and culture, all of this combined with the mild Mediterranean climate makes travel all year round,” shared Claude Zammit Trevisan – Senior Manager – Destination Marketing – Russia & CIS. Japan & S. Korea, India, Middle East, and
North America.

Malta’s tourism industry is substantial, accounting for 15% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Malta is a popular tourist destination, with three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the al Saflieni Hypogeum, Valletta, and seven megalithic temples, which are among the world’s oldest free-standing structures. These attractions incorporate elements of the island’s rich history and culture, as well as Mediterranean Sea-related aquatic activities.

Land of rich history
and culture

Malta’s long and rich history is reflected in the island’s cultural attractions, modern museums and art galleries. At some point throughout history, the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Byzantines all occupied Malta, leaving a mix of architectural styles and antiquities to discover. The knights’ Hospitaller ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798 leaving a legacy of exquisite art and architecture.

On Malta, Gozo, and Comino, there are a variety of aquatic activities to enjoy. Northern Malta is home to the country’s beach resorts and holiday destinations, with Mellieha Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha, and Golden Bay being the most popular. The island’s quietest beaches are found in Malta’s northwest, and it is here that the main island’s two neighboring islands may be found. Gozo and Comino are other popular beach destinations, but they are much calmer, rockier, and better for snorkeling. The surrounding Mediterranean Sea is popular for diving; while shallow dips may be attractive to beginning divers, more experienced divers may dive deeper to find historical artifacts from World War II or earlier.

Middle East a key source market

Trevisan said, “The ME is an important market because it allows us to cater for long-haul visitors. “The diversity of the GCC makes it very challenging. We need to come out strong on the market so that we generate brand awareness, and we’re working hand in hand with the main travel partners, particularly tour operators, travel agencies, and the travel fraternity to make sure that there is a right call to action, the right packages, the right ingredients for the market.

The Maltese government has established a full-fledged embassy in Abu Dhabi, which is a significant political signal that Malta wishes to expand connections across the board with the UAE and the GCC. The opening of Emirates flights between the UAE and Malta in July of this year is extremely important since it connects Malta to the rest of the world. There are a variety of international hotel chains that Middle Eastern guests will be familiar with, as well as halal cuisine alternatives. The cuisine is Mediterranean in style.”

The Al Hosn app, which originated in the UAE, is now accepted in Malta, which makes it easier for UAE visitors to visit the island. The app has all of the visitor’s information, including immunization records and the results of all PCR or Rapid tests completed, making entrance faster and more convenient.