MALTA TOURISM AUTHORITY SUMMER NEWSLETTER

A Maltese summer boasts balmy weather, a packed calendar of events and 12 hours of glorious sunshine each day. With celebrations for Valletta as the European Capital of Culture in full swing, July to September hosts a bounty of festivals and events, including many musical and gastronomical highlights.

Please see below for a roundup of fresh news from the Mediterranean archipelago and the very best dates for the diary.

NEWS FROM MALTA

New dive trail highlights the Maltese Archipelago's underwater hotspots

The Malta Tourism Authority has launched a new Diving Trail around the Maltese Archipelago. The second in a series of themed 'Trails', visitors can use the map as an underwater guide during their time on the islands. The Archipelago has long been a favourite scuba destination for travellers and the trail showcases locations that are suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. Repeatedly voted second best dive destination in the world, the waters around the Mediterranean Islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino offer clear blue sea boasting an abundance of reefs, stunning caverns, caves and WWII shipwrecks. Visitors can download the dive trail here.

Malta retains top spot on Europe Rainbow Index for the third year running

ILGA-Europe has announced that Malta has been ranked the number one travel destination on the Europe Rainbow Index 2018 for the third year running. Out of a total of 49 European countries, Malta has been awarded an outstanding 91% in recognition of the laws, policies and lifestyles of the LGBTQ community on the Mediterranean island. Malta is proud of this recognition and has firmly positioned itself as a vibrant and welcoming destination for all. LGBTQ travel is a strong focus for the country and Malta will once again be a sponsor of Brighton Pride.

Malta to host Nickelodeon Treasure Hunt

An exciting nationwide treasure hunt will feature some of Nickelodeon's most popular TV characters in a series of fun family-friendly events that will run from 13-18 April 2019. Activities will include searching for SpongeBob SquarePants and friends at the National Aquarium, learning through play with the PAW Patrol pups at the Esplora Science Centre, learning to duel with Nella the Princess Knight at the 16th-century St James Cavalier, and joining the pizza-loving Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at Is-Suq Tal-Belt food market.

In addition to the character experiences at the selected attractions, a free live theatre show at Pjazza Teatru Rjal will kick things off over the opening weekend, with slime-filled challenges and a multi-character musical show for kids and families. A Nickelodeon Multi-Media Exhibition and Workshop Hub will be open throughout the week at St James Cavalier, with the week's activity being rounded off with a carnival-style parade through Valletta Old Town.

In celebration, Air Malta has introduced a new 180-seat Airbus A320neo into its fleet which has been branded with cartoon characters to promote the Nickelodeon treasure hunt.

Taste of History

Taste of History has a launched a new website to showcase how visitors can experience 'food from the age of enlightenment' in some of the most incredible ancient venues across Malta.  A team of master chefs and curators have recreated dishes from the 18th century to be enjoyed in historical surroundings so that guests can both see and taste how inquisitors, knights and libertines lived and dined.  Culinary delights include rabbit risotto and tagolini served with an indivia and butter sauce and decedent desserts formerly enjoyed by wealthy merchants.  The flavours are impressive and all produce is sourced from across Malta to keep the tastes truly authentic.

Leading Culture Destinations Awards 2018

Susan Philipz's installation Who by Fire in Valletta has been nominated for the 'Soft Power Destination of the Year – Best Activation' award within the Leading Culture Destinations Awards 2018. Coined by the press as 'The Oscars for museums', the Leading Culture Destinations Awards celebrate the most exceptional contributions to cultural life and showcase some of the world's best emerging destinations.

Malta Tourism Authority sponsors Proud Experiences Conference

Malta Tourism Authority sponsored the inaugural Proud Experiences Conference, which took place at the iconic Saatchi Gallery, between 6th – 8th June 2018. The conference welcomed travel suppliers, lifestyle brands, buyers and industry experts, inviting them to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community through a series of meetings and masterclasses, which featured Peter Vella, Director of the Malta Tourism Authority – who is regularly considered an expert on LGBTQ+ tourism by industry peers. Malta was showcased during the conference as one of the most desirable holiday locations for the LGBTQ+ community and applauded for leading the way within the travel industry.  

Malta International Airport launches initiatives to become an autism-friendly airport

The Autism-Friendly Programme asks autistic travellers through Malta International Airport to complete a form to help identify ways in which the team can appropriately assist them. Travelers can also order a free wristband or cap; two accessories designed to ensure that the airport's staff can immediately identify the person needing additional assistance. Please contact the airport to learn about the various other initiatives in place to support qualifying travelers.

DATES FOR THE DIARY

Festivals and Events

JULY

Malta International Arts Festival 29th June – 15th July 2018

This special edition of Malta's leading arts festival unveils a programme of exhibitions and events that engage visitors with the Islands' rich historical and cultural tapestry. Over the years, the Malta International Arts Festival has established itself as a platform for artistic excellence; the festival is renowned for hosting multidisciplinary works that support diversity, encourage artistic collaboration and strive to forge creative synergy. Across the festival's varied programme, artists are encouraged to push boundaries through a wide spectrum of innovative practices and performances – including site-specific curation, music, visual arts, theatre, dance, opera, installations, films, community projects, interactive and participatory events and much more.

Malta International Food Festival 19th – 22nd July 2018

The fortified medieval city Mdina will be hosting the annual Malta International Food Festival; three days of alfresco eating and drinking is offered from 10 international cuisines, as well as fun family entertainment.   

Malta International Jazz Festival: 16th – 21st July 2018

Valletta's magnificent Grand Harbour sets the backdrop to the Malta International Jazz Festival, an event which has become a byword for high-calibre performances, delighting jazz aficionados from around the world. This year's festival boasts four of the biggest names in jazz today – Chick Corea, Christian McBride, Nasheet Waits and John Patitucci. Held over six days in various venues across Valletta, the festival will present an eclectic range of contemporary jazz styles.

Unite with Tomorrowland: 28th July

This year Tomorrowland will be connected live with 7 other locations across the globe, including Malta. Prepare for a magical celebration with a massive DJ line-up, including Steve Aoki, NERVO, VINAI and MC Zawdi on stage and a live satellite connection from Tomorrowland in Belgium.

AUGUST

Summer Daze Malta: 14th – 15th August 2018

Summer Daze Malta is set to hit Maltese shores for the first time in collaboration with BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage and Creamfields. 15,000 people are expected to attend the two-day event in Ta' Qali's National Park and Café del Mar. The festival will host to artists such as Rita Ora, Danny Howard, Roger Sanchez, Kristen Knight and Monki.

Glitch Festival: 14th – 16th August 2018

Back and bigger than ever, Glitch Festival returns to Malta for its third consecutive year, 14th – 16th August 2018, with an impressive line-up of 26 DJs representing disco, house, techno and electronic genres. Nina Kraviz and Jeff Mills will be headlining this year's festival in Gianpula Fields in Malta. Amelie Lens, Charlotte de Witte and Peggy Gou are also on the line up.

SEPTEMBER

TropOut: 13th – 19th September 2018 / Malta Pride: 15th September 2018

This September, Malta will become the first European country to host TropOut's summer festival. TropOut will offer an unforgettable travel experience for the modern gay traveller in search of a holiday that combines cultural discovery, relaxation and a vibrant party scene with likeminded travellers. The trip aims to get to the heart of the beautiful destination whilst creating a party atmosphere in a relaxed and sophisticated setting.  The festival is timed perfectly to include the celebrations of 2018 Malta Pride, taking place on 15th September 2018.

Elrow goes to Malta: 15th September 2018

Unleashing a spectrum of colour and electronic sound, elrow, the world-famous party brand will touch down in Malta on Saturday 15th September 2018. Debuting a spectacular show at Uno Malta, the announcement marks elrow's first ever maltese event with another remarkable bill of techno titans to assemble as the acclaimed brand continues to make history across the globe.

Science in the City: 28th September 2018

As part of European Researchers' Night, Malta's science and arts festival returns to the capital city with one memorable evening full of free activities for friends and family to enjoy. On the night, Valletta comes alive with installations and exhibitions linked to science; street art, science busking, music, children's puppet shows, live experiments, talks, theatre and much more. With scientific encounters lined up all the way from City Gate to St George's Square, the festival is sure to surprise and delight visitors of all ages.

ENDS

For more information or images please contact Amy Skelding, Lauren Williams, Emily Olsen or Jessica Connan at malta@finnpartners.com or 020 7326 988.

Notes to Editors

About Malta

Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean. Comprising three main islands – Malta, Comino and Gozo – Malta is known for its history, culture and temples dating back over 7,000 years. In addition to its fortresses, megalithic temples and burial chambers, Malta is blessed with nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine every year. Capital city Valletta has been named European Capital of Culture 2018, which will see a huge programme of cultural events rolled out. Malta is part of the EU and 100% English speaking. The archipelago is famous for its diving, which attracts aficionados from around the world, whilst the nightlife and music festival scene attract a younger demographic of traveller. Malta is a short three and a quarter hour flight from the UK, with daily departures from all major airports across the country. www.maltauk.com