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About The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) was formally set up by the  Malta Travel and Tourism Service Act (1999) . This clearly defines its role - extending it beyond that of international marketing to include a domestic, motivating, directional, co-ordinating and regulatory role. The Act strengthens the public and private partnership in tourism through greater and more direct participation by the private sector in national planning and development of the industry.

Mission and Vision The mission of the Malta Tourism Authority is to advance the economic and social activity of tourism in the national interest, by working with all stakeholders to develop a sustainable industry for current and future generations.

Our vision is to achieve a healthy, sustainable and equitable tourism sector for the Maltese Islands, attracting regular inflows of quality visitors throughout the year from a diverse range of source markets, whilst ensuring that those who choose our destination are served with professionalism and care.

Values The values which drive our vision and mission are those of QUALITY in everything we do, AUTHENTICITY in presenting the true character of our destination, COLLABORATION in partnering with stakeholders local and foreign, and LEADERSHIP in offering guidance and inspiration to those who operate in the tourism sector.

Objectives The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) has a diverse role, but one which in essence is all about creating and fostering relationships. The MTA is the tourism industry's regulator and motivator, its business partner, the country's brand promoter, and is here to form, maintain and manage meaningful partnerships with all tourism stakeholders. Primarily, this means attracting visitors to the Islands, but also working closely alongside the private sector partners. Importantly, the MTA is also here to help strengthen the industry's human resources, ensure the highest standards and quality of the Islands' tourism product, and foster relations with local and international media.

Our Work The Malta Tourism Authority is here:

• To promote and advance Malta as a tourism destination.
• To advise Government on tourism operations and to issue licences under the Act.
• To contribute toward the improvement of the level of human resources in the tourism industry.
• To advise government on the planning and development of the tourism industry as well as on the infrastructure supporting the industry.
• To assist and advise on any tourism-related issues and to undertake activities, events and projects to fulfil our role.

Before MTA MTA replaced its predecessor the National Tourism Organisation of Malta (NTOM) which in turn was preceded by the Malta Government Tourist Board. 

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A local’s guide to Malta: 10 top tips

The island has been at the heart of Mediterranean history and culture for centuries, and it can be enjoyed once more now it’s on the green list

Malta claims to be the first EU country to have achieved herd immunity. Vaccinations recently extended to all over-16s and 58.6% of the population have had two jabs.

Since 2020, 420 people have died of the virus, and the country has not recorded a death since 26 May. Neither quarantine nor a PCR test is required for passengers travelling to Malta from the UK, but they must be fully vaccinated.

Museums and tourist sites, shops, restaurants and cafes are open, and allow tables of six people. Cinemas and theatres reopened on 7 June, but bars and nightclubs are still closed, and boat parties are not allowed.

Masks are mandatory for everyone over three years of age in public spaces, but from 1 June mask-wearing on beaches was advised but no longer required. Maltese health minister Chris Fearne said masks would cease to be mandatory outdoors from 1 July for vaccinated people, as long as cases remain low.

Valletta by night

Valletta used to be like a ghost town at night. Today, it is different – or rather it will be once the pandemic recedes and visitors return. In normal times the streets are full after sunset with live music and happy Mediterranean chatter all around. The grid system used by the knights to build the city creates what feel like parallel nightlife realities. Republic Street is imposing and distinct with exquisite cafes and restaurants; Merchant Street is laid-back leading down to the covered market; but walk down Straight Street and you would walk back in time, like the British sailors did in the past, and enjoy bar-hopping down to the Gut. Look out for the old street signage along the way.

Festivals in Malta

There are a lot. Before you visit the island it’s worth checking the Malta Tourism Authority’s website and festivals.mt to see what’s on, and to note that this year, until further notice, all festivals will be virtual.

The Strawberry festival , Notte Bianca in Valletta, Karnival ta’ Malta , the Malta jazz festival , the Valletta baroque festival , the Farsons beer festival , the Delicata wine festival , the Fireworks festival , and the Three Palaces are just some of the events over the year. My favourite though is BirguFest and its culmination Birgu by Candlelight, which is an extraordinary experience. One of Malta’s oldest cities, Birgu (also called Vittoriosa) is magically lit by thousands of candles adding a romantic and mystical touch to its medieval houses, auberges and palaces connected by winding alleys. The festival features historical re-enactments, open museums and churches, exhibitions and installations alongside concerts, theatre and laser light spectacles.

Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens

In Malta you’re surrounded by limestone, from the old cities of Mdina and Valletta, through the megalithic temples of Hagar Qim, Mnajdra and the Hypogeum, to the ornaments on the traditional Maltese townhouses. The limestone has been instrumental in preserving the history of the island. At the family-run Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens , in Siggiewi village, visitors can trace the use and role of this resource throughout the ages. Don’t miss the stone-carving and sculpting, where a visitor can spend time working on a limestone souvenir. The Farmer’s Lunch , in the peaceful garden of the estate, is a great way to try Maltese gbejna cheese, homemade pasta and rabbit dishes and traditional desserts. Younger visitors will enjoy the heritage park: there’s space to run around in, and an animal petting zoo. €8.10 adult, €5.40 student, €2.70 child with online discount, limestoneheritage.com

Casa Rocca Piccola, Valletta

Not your usual museum, this is the only privately owned palazzo open to the public in Valletta. It exhibits unusual pieces of furniture, memorabilia, family paintings and rare medical instruments from the Knights’ Sacra Infermeria in Valletta. A museum by day and a stately home by night, its rooms bring the history of the Knights Hospitaller and the Maltese nobility to life. The palace was built in the 16th century for Don Pietro La Rocca, an admiral of the knights and is the ancestral abode of the Marquis Nicholas de Piro family. Today, it also houses a boutique B&B, with a peaceful garden and a cheerful macaw named Kiku. Tour groups are sometimes taken around by the marquis himself . Regular hourly tours are held throughout the week. casaroccapiccola.com

Caffe Cordina, Valletta

This is the most beautiful cafe in Valletta and something of an institution. I love going there to have an espresso with one of its signature sweets. Relaxing in the sun at Pjazza Regina in front of the statue commemorating the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria and the baroque National Library is bliss. The cafe was established in Cospicua in 1837 and moved to Valletta in 1944. The building known as the Casa del Commun Tesoro or the Treasury during the rule of the Order of the Knights of St John in Malta was used by the British for various public offices and it was later converted into the Grand Hotel. The cafe’s eclectic interior decor and the vaulted ceiling embellished with paintings by the Maltese painter Giuseppe Cali add to the special character of the place. caffecordina.com

Meridiana Wine Estate, tour and wine tasting

About 30 years ago the production of world-class wines in Malta seemed like an ambitious goal. Some considered the investment risky, others thought it was doomed from the start. Today, one looks back at the legacy of a brave venture that explored the potential for high-quality wine production in Malta. The Ta’Qali wine estate, near Mdina, was planted in 1994 on the site of an airfield used by the RAF during the second world war, using a British-built herringbone system of irrigation. Success was achieved with the first harvest in 1996, which Meridiana sold within weeks. Its wines are now internationally established. My preferred Maltese wines are, of the reds, Nexus – a merlot, and Celsius – a cabernet sauvignon. Of the whites, Baltis, from the moscato grape, is excellent. Wine-tasting is held on Meridiana’s panoramic terrace overlooking its vineyard or in the courtyard near the cellars. A tour includes a visit to the fermentation-hall and underground cellar, both within the picturesque Maltese farmhouse. Wine tasting and tours at meridiana.com.mt

Taste of History at the Maritime Museum of Malta, Birgu

This museum gives visitors the opportunity to dine inside the museum itself. The atmosphere is special, the menu exquisite, and unique – as historians and chefs have researched 18th-century documents to find foreign influences, ingredients, spices and eating habits from the menus used by the knights. The Maltese fruit and vegetables used are grown by local farmers, the sausages are made by the butcher round the corner strictly following traditional methods and the in-house chefs follow the authentic recipes. This is a dining experience like no other. The building is a former bakery from the British period in Birgu, one of the three cities just across the Grand Harbour from Valletta. Maritime museum, heritagemalta.org . More about Taste of History on Facebook

Lascaris War Rooms

Below the fortifications of Malta’s capital city Valletta, this complex of tunnels and chambers hold fascinating secrets from the second world war. Built by the British military, the war rooms housed the allied war HQ, which played a crucial role in the defence of the island and the coordination of Operation Husky – the invasion of Sicily. Named after Giovanni Paolo Lascaris, a 17th-century grand master of the knights of Malta, who built a garden on the site and fortifications across the island , the war rooms received communications from all radar stations and mapped the aerial and naval movements around the islands. After the war the Lascaris rooms were used as the headquarters of the Royal Navy’s Mediterranean Fleet. Climbing up the stairs of the bastion takes you to the Upper Barrakka Garden for the spectacular views of the Grand Harbour. Adult €13, student €11, under-16 €6, open Mon-Sat 10am-4.30pm, lascariswarrooms.com

National Community Art Museum (Muza), Valletta

Flagged by the Guardian Travel as one of 13 must-see new European museums , Muza opened in 2018, in a building that was once the seat of the Italian knights of the Order of St John. The site offers a chance to explore an auberge in which the knights lived during their stay on the island. The grand baroque entrance, the courtyard, the main staircase and the halls were rebuilt with contemporary material to expose intriguing features from the late 16th-century architecture. As a national community museum one of its missions is to make art accessible to the public; Muza does this by presenting contrasting artworks by old masters and contemporaries. The Masterpieces at Muza exhibition, currently on show, displays 13 old masterpieces from a private collection, including paintings by Rubens, François Boucher, Leonardo da Vinci and Giovanni Bellini. €10 adult, €7.50 students and people aged 60-plus, €5.50 children under 11, not open on Tuesdays, muza.mt

Boat trips and dramatic views

Whenever I can I always take the water taxi service across the Grand Harbour from Valletta to the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua) and back by a traditional boat. The local dghajsa was built in the 17th century for that purpose. Used to ferry passengers connecting the harbour towns and also for taking passengers off the arriving ships, the boats were the main means of transportation in the harbour areas. The crossing takes 10 minutes and costs €2. Tourists can opt for a harbour cruise for €8pp. The real thrill is to feel the waves among the imposing views of the bastions of Valletta, Fort St Angelo, Fort Ricasoli and the grandeur of one of Europe’s largest natural harbours.

Fra Nikola Soukmandjiev is a diplomat, priest and tour guide

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When to Visit

Getting around, good to know, useful contacts.

Welcome to Malta! Often referred to as one big open-air museum, the Maltese archipelago is made up of three islands – Malta, Gozo and Comino – situated in the middle of the Mediterranean, 93 km south of Sicily and 288 km north of Africa. The total population is just over 400,000 inhabitants, spread across an area of 316 square kilometres.

Malta is the largest of the islands and generally referred to as the mainland, encompassing the islands’ cultural, commercial and administrative centre. Gozo, the sister island, is known for its slow pace and rural way of life, while Comino, the smallest of the three, at just 3.5 square kilometres, is largely uninhabited and makes for a great spot for day trips.

The islands share a rich history spanning thousands of years, with past inhabitants leaving astounding relics that offer a window into the past. From megalithic structures to medieval remnants and Baroque architecture, you can truly trace the history of human civilisation here.

Boasting year-round sunny weather and beautiful beaches, as well as a burgeoning foodie and nightlife scene, along with their 7,000 years of fascinating history, the Maltese islands make for a holiday destination that truly has something for everyone.

If it's sun and sea you’re after, this is the perfect time to visit the Maltese islands. Be warned that it can get sweltering hot, particularly in July and August, with temperatures often rising to over 35°C. If you’re visiting in the summer months, remember to apply plenty of sun protection cream regularly, wear a hat and a good pair of sunglasses, and drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.

The highest levels of rainfall are recorded in November and December, but a visit in October could give you one final chance to take a dip in the Med. At this time of year, it’s great to head to all the wonderful museums and historic sites, and enjoy the outside areas of Malta and Gozo’s many eateries – do carry a cardigan for when it gets chilly though!

Winter is generally mild in Malta, with the average daytime temperature being about 17°C. Ironically, these months are also quite dry, with just 37mm of average rainfall in March. It can get pretty humid though, giving the impression that temperatures are lower than they really are.

Spring is a short season in Malta, but it’s the best time to enjoy the countryside before the summer heat, go camping, and travel the length and breadth of the islands on foot – visiting interesting sites or simply enjoying the breeze along the coast. At this time of the year, there is a relatively low possibility of rain, around ten hours of sunshine a day, and the average temperatures hover between 20°C and 24°C.

Arriving & Leaving by Air

All flights arrive at Malta International Airport in Luqa (+356 2124 9600, www.maltairport.com ). The Maltese islands are only a few hours away from major European cities by air. The national airline, KM Malta Airlines, operates flights to and from many of the major airports in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Other international low-cost carriers operate regular scheduled flights to and from Malta.

Airline Contacts

Flight Enquiries & Schedules

The Malta International Airport has a 24hr flight enquiry service (+356 5230 2000, www.maltairport.com). Online schedules are updated every five minutes.

A regular ferry and catamaran service links several Italian ports to Valletta. A number of shipping lines serve some Mediterranean ports as well.

Shipping Line Contacts

Internal Transport

The public transport network of buses covers nearly all the islands. Car hire rates in Malta are good value. You can also enjoy a relaxing boat trip by taking a harbour cruise or cross between Valletta and Sliema at half hourly intervals.

Malta’s bus service is operated by Malta Public Transport. The service runs daily between approximately 5.30am and 11pm, while night buses operate in some areas after this time. 109 routes travel to various hubs, offering connections to places of interest, beaches, hotels and nightlife spots. Timetable leaflets are available for all routes, as well as a free holiday bus map highlighting tourist-specific services. The service runs six express routes (X1, X1A, X2, X3, X4 and X1B) to various localities from the airport, serving the Gozo ferry terminal too.

Different types of tickets are available from several points of sale: ticket machines at bus stations; ticket offices and/or street ticket sellers at the airport, Valletta, Bugibba, Sliema and Rabat (Gozo) bus stations, as well as other localities; on board; authorised resellers including hotels and online. Visitors can apply for a personalised ‘tallinja’ bus card online, giving them access to reduced bus fares. The card needs to be booked at least two weeks in advance and a Maltese address, which could also be that of the hotel, needs to be provided. The card will then be delivered directly to an indicated address outside Malta.

Other products are also available for immediate use, including the 12 Single Day Journey card and the Explore 7 Day card. The former allows users to travel for 12 journeys on day services or six journeys on night services or a combination of both for €15. This card can be used immediately and may be shared and used more than once on the same bus trip. The Explore 7 Day card offers unlimited travel by bus throughout Malta and Gozo, on all day and night services. It can be used immediately upon purchase and is valid for seven consecutive days from the first validation. The card is valid for one person only and it cannot be shared. The Explore card for adults costs €21 and the one for children costs €15. These cards can be purchased from the ticket booths and from other leading outlets. An online journey planner and full list of routes are available at www.publictransport.com.mt .

Most international car hire companies have a branch in Malta. Local companies offer this service too, with or without a chauffeur. Car hire rates are very reasonable compared to those in other European countries.

A number of taxi companies offer 24hr taxi services and are fitted with meters. If you opt to take a taxi from Malta International Airport, pay the fare at the taxi ticket booth in the arrivals lounge and you will receive a ticket showing the destination and fare paid. Hand the ticket to the driver at the end of your journey. Any complaints should be addressed to Transport Malta (+356 2122 2203). 

Regular ferry services operate throughout the day connecting Valletta, Sliema and the Three Cities. View full schedules can be found on www.vallettaferryservices.com . 

Travelling to Gozo

A regular ro-ro ferry service carries passengers and cars between Malta and Gozo. For information and timetables contact The Gozo Channel Company Ltd (+356 2210 9000, www.gozochannel.com ).

Banks are normally open between 8.30am and 1.30pm from Monday to Thursday; between 8.30am and 3.30pm on Friday and until 12.30pm on Saturday. Some banks open for longer hours, but summer hours are shorter.

Currency Exchange

Malta adopted the euro on 1st January 2008. International bankcards are accepted and foreign currency is easily exchanged. Banks, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and exchange bureaux can be found all over the islands.

You’ll find several Duty Free Shops at the Arrivals and Departures Hall at the Malta International Airport. Duty Free means that no excise duty is payable to the local Government on items purchased, and since Malta is a member of the European Union, items classed as Duty Free are only sold to passengers flying to non-EU countries.

This Duty Free status applies to all cigarettes, tobacco and selected spirits. On your way out of Malta, Duty Free allowances for each adult are:

• 200 cigarettes or the equivalent in cigars or tobacco; • 1 bottle of spirit; • 1 bottle of wine; • a reasonable amount of perfumes or aftershaves.

Malta has several excellent casinos. Admission requires an identity card or passport. Foreign nationals must be 18 years old to enter. Maltese citizens must be 25. The casinos also offer a choice of cuisines from international fare to Mediterranean specialities at their restaurants.

Report any incident as soon as possible to the police. The emergency number to call is 112 and the Police General Headquarters are in Floriana (+356 2122 4001). Below is a list of some of the police stations.

Mosta Police Station +356 2294 3551/2141 4106

Qawra Police Station +356 2294 3601

Rabat (Gozo) Headquarters +356 2156 2040

Sliema Police Station +356 2294 3351

St Julian’s Police Station +356 2294 3401

A full list of numbers can be found on www.pulizija.gov.mt .

Accessibility

Both the government and the private sector are constantly working towards improving accessibility into museums, attractions, cultural venues, and the historic centres of towns and villages. Visitors may contact the Malta Tourism Authority (+356 2291 5000, www.visitmalta.com ) to enquire whether a particular site or venue has easy access or facilities for the disabled. If assistance is required at the airport, the airline must be notified before the flight. The airline will inform the Malta International Airport (MIA) directly. The MIA provides assistance both airside and landside.

The Commission for the Disabled, a governmental organisation dedicated to improving the lives of disabled people on the Maltese islands, provides information on how best to get around and on other related organisations. Bugeja Institute, Braille Street, Sta Venera. (+356 2278 8555, www.knpd.org ).

Electricity

The electrical supply is 230 volts, 50 hertz. The three-pin rectangular plug system is used, as in Britain.

British High Commission Whitehall Mansions, Ta’ Xbiex Seafront, Ta’ Xbiex (+356 2323 0000, www.gov.uk/government/world/malta ). Open 9am-1pm Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri.

French Embassy 130 Melita Street, Valletta (+356 2248 0600, www.ambafrance-mt.org ). Open 9am-1pm Mon-Fri; 2-5pm Mon-Fri by appointment only.

German Embassy Whitehall Mansions, 3rd Floor, Ta’ Xbiex Seafront, Ta’ Xbiex (+356 2260 4000, www.valletta.diplo.de ). Open 9am-noon Mon-Wed, Fri; also 1.15-4.15pm Wed.

Italian Embassy 5 Vilhena Street, Floriana (+356 2123 3157, www.amblavalletta.esteri.it ). Open 9.30am-12.30pm Mon-Fri; also 1-3pm Thur.

Malta has an excellent healthcare service. Private and public hospitals are supported by a regional network of health centres. Visitors are advised to take out a personal medical insurance policy, particularly if they are not EU nationals. EU, EEA and Swiss nationals holding the European Health Insurance Card have access to Malta’s public healthcare and are entitled to free public medical and hospital care in both Malta and Gozo. Malta also has a reciprocal health agreement with Australia. Australians visiting the islands for no longer than one month are entitled to free medical and hospital care in both Malta and Gozo. Visitors receiving special medical treatment should bring a medical prescription or a letter of introduction from their family doctor in case they need to purchase particular medicines.

Accidents & Emergencies

For any emergency services dial 112. The public general hospitals have 24-hour accident and emergency departments.

Chemists are found throughout the islands and are open during normal shopping hours. On Sundays they operate on a roster from 9am to 12.30pm in Malta and from 7.30am to 11am in Gozo. Details of the roster are available in the local Sunday newspapers or on www.pharmacy.com.mt/roster .

Dentists and Doctors

A full list of dentists and doctors is found on www.yellow.com.mt . The public hospitals in Malta and Gozo provide emergency services for free to EU and EEA nationals holding the European Health Insurance Card. General consultations cost around €25.

Private Hospitals

St James Hospital Gorg Borg Olivier Street, Sliema (+356 2329 1000, www.stjameshospital.com ). Also at St James Square, Zabbar

St Thomas Hospital Valletta Road, Qormi (+356 2148 2482)

Public Hospitals

Mater Dei Hospital Birkirkara Bypass, Birkirkara (+356 2545 0000)

Gozo General Hospital Rabat, Gozo (+356 2156 1600)

The Genito-Urinary Clinic provides free professional help and advice if you are suffering from a genitourinary condition, or if you are in doubt. The clinic provides confidential diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections and related conditions (+356 2122 7981).

Lost Luggage

In case of any lost luggage you should immediately get in touch with your airline. If you are flying with Air Malta call +356 2369 6135.

Museums & Sites

Public museums and sites are generally open daily from 9am to 5pm. Museums and sites are closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and Good Friday. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.

Postal Service

Most towns and villages have post or sub-post offices. Branch post offices in Malta and Gozo are open between 7.30am and 1pm from Monday to Saturday. Sub-post offices are open between 8am and 1pm, and 4pm and 6pm from Monday to Friday and between 8am and 1pm on Saturday.

Public Holidays

Malta has a considerable number of public holidays: 1 January – New Year’s Day 10 February – St Paul’s Shipwreck 19 March – The Feast of St Joseph 31 March – Freedom Day March/April – Good Friday 1 May – Labour Day 7 June – Sette Giugno 29 June – St Peter and St Paul (L-Imnarja) 15 August – The Assumption of Our Lady (Santa Marija) 8 September – Our Lady of Victories 21 September – Independence Day 8 December – Immaculate Conception 13 December – Republic Day 25 December – Christmas Day

Most Maltese are Catholic, but other religious denominations are also represented. There are small Anglican, Church of Scotland, Greek Orthodox, Jewish, Methodist and Muslim communities. Religious services are held by the various denominations.

Shops are normally open between 9am and 1pm, and between 4pm and 7pm, although increasingly shops are opening all day. In tourist areas many shops remain open till 10pm. Shops are normally closed on Sundays and public holidays. Every day an open-air market is set up in Valletta. On Sunday mornings, markets are also organised in most towns or villages. The largest is in Valletta, while the most picturesque is in Marsaxlokk.

No smoking is allowed in any entertainment establishment, including bars and restaurants, unless there is a designated smoking area. Smoking in public places is illegal and carries hefty fines. Smoking is allowed at outdoor venues.

The Maltese coastal waters are generally clean and safe for swimming as there are no tides. Some bays are exposed to north and north-easterly winds that produce some strong undercurrents at times. Ghajn Tuffieha Bay and Golden Bay areas can be potentially dangerous – a red flag flies to indicate when bathing should be restricted to only the innermost, shallow waters.

The Maltese archipelago lies virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean and has a latitude more southern than that of northern Tunisia. You are therefore advised to take precautions to ensure you avoid over-exposure to the sun. Children and especially babies need extra protection from the sun. If you are sunbathing, it is advisable to avoid the strongest sunlight between 11am and 4pm in peak summer months.

Telephones & Internet

Telecommunications operator GO provides residential and business telecommunications across the Maltese islands. Outlets are located in St Julian’s – Bay Street Shopping Complex; Birkirkara – Salvu Psaila Street; Naxxar – St Paul Street; Paola – A De Paule Square; Mosta – PAMA Shopping Village; Gozo – Republic Street, Rabat.

GO offers international calls starting from €0.25 per minute. To benefit from these rates dial 1021 before the country code complete with the international number (e.g. UK 1021 0044 xxxxxxxx) from your GO SIM ( go.com.mt/international ). You may get a GO starter SIM Pack for just €15 and get 1GB or local data €5 in credit ( go.com.mt/startersim ).

Internet cafés are scattered across the islands.

Time Difference

Malta is on Central European Time (CET), which is one hour ahead of GMT in winter and two hours ahead between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October. Malta is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) in winter and seven hours ahead between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October.

Gratuities are usually in the region of 10-15 per cent as in most European countries. As a rule of thumb: taxi drivers – not expected, but up to 10 per cent; porters – €0.25-€0.35 per piece of luggage; restaurants, unless a service charge is added to the bill, 10 per cent.

Tourist Information

Malta Tourism Authority-run offices may be found at:

• 229 Auberge d’Italie, Merchants Street, Valletta (+356 2291 5440). Open 9am-5.30pm Mon-Sat; 9am-1pm Sun.

• Pinto Wharf, Valletta Waterfront, Valletta (+356 2122 0633). Open only when cruise liners are in port.

• The Plaza Shopping Centre, Sliema (+356 2136 3691). Open 9.30am-6pm Mon-Sat.

• Islets Promenade, Bugibba (+356 2141 9176). Open 9am-5.30pm Mon-Sat; 9am-1pm Sun.

• Malta International Airport, Arrivals Lounge, Luqa (+356 2369 6073). Open 10am-9pm daily.

• Xatt is-Sajjieda, Marsaxlokk (+356 2165 1151). Open 9am-5.30pm Mon-Sat; 9am-1pm Sun.

• Iz-Zjara tal-Papa Gwanni Pawlu II – 26 ta’ Mejju 1990 Square, Mellieha (+356 2152 4666). Open 9am-1pm Mon-Sat.

• Torre dello Standardo, St Publius Square, Mdina (+356 2145 4480). Open 9am-5.30pm Mon-Sat; 9am-1pm Sun.

• Inquisitor’s Palace, Main Gate Street, Vittoriosa (+356 2180 0145). Open 9am-5pm Mon-Sat; 9am-1pm Sun.

• 17 Independence Square, Rabat, Gozo (+356 2291 5452). Open 9am-5.30pm Mon-Sat; 9am-1pm Sun.

• Gozo Channel Ferry Terminal, Mgarr, Gozo (+356 2155 4538). Open 9am-2pm daily.

For further information go to  www.mta.com.mt/tio .

Useful Addresses

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Palazzo Parisio, Merchants Street, Valletta (+356 2124 2191).

Air Malta Head Office Level 2, Sky Parks Business Centre, Malta International Airport, Luqa (+356 2299 9000).

Malta Tourism Authority Building SCM 01, Level 3, Smart City, Ricasoli, Kalkara (+356 2291 5000).

Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority Mizzi House, National Road, Blata l-Bajda (+356 2395 2000).

Useful & Emergency Numbers

00356 International code 112 Emergency services 112 Ambulance 112 Fire brigade 1182 Directory enquiries 1152 Overseas operator 195 Time check +356 2122 4001-7 Police +356 2125 0221 Consumer protection +356 2122 4781 Lost property 5230 2021 Weather and flight information (rate per call €1) 5004 3888 Emergency vet services

www.kmmaltairlines.com Timetable, passenger information and online booking and check-in of KM Malta Airlines flights.

www.gozochannel.com Timetable and information on the Malta-Gozo ferry.

www.heritagemalta.org Information about Malta and Gozo’s heritage sites and museums entrusted to the government’s national heritage agency.

www.maltairport.com Arrivals, departures, passenger services and weather conditions.

www.go.com.mt Online telephone directory.

www.transport.gov.mt Official website of the local transport authority, providing information on the islands’ transport system.

www.timesofmalta.com The Times of Malta online.

www.maltaweather.com Up to five-day accurate weather forecasts.

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Who’s Who in Malta: Meet Gavin Gulia – Chairman, Malta Tourism Authority

Gavin is a lawyer by profession

24th November 2022

“As Chairman of the Malta Tourism Authority, I strive to promote the Maltese islands as an ideal tourist destination. My duties also include overseeing the regulation of tourism services and operations,” Gavin Gulia  explains.

A lawyer by profession, he is a former Parliamentary Secretary for the Self-Employed and a former Justice Minister.

Dr Gulia is also Honorary President of St Philip Band Club, Żebbuġ, and of Żebbuġ FC.

The Malta Tourism Authority was formally set up by the Malta Travel and Tourism Service Act of 1999, which clearly defines its role, extending it beyond that of international marketing to include a domestic, motivating, directional, coordinating and regulatory function. The law also strengthens the public and private partnership in tourism through greater and more direct participation by the private sector in national planning and development of the industry.

The Malta Tourism Authority’s mission is to advance the economic and social activity of tourism in the national interest by working with all stakeholders to develop a sustainable industry for current and future generations.

Its vision is to achieve a healthy, sustainable and equitable tourism, attracting regular inflows of quality visitors throughout the year from a diverse range of source markets while ensuring tourists are served with professionalism and care.

Get in touch: [email protected]

Who’s Who List in Malta is a collection of profiles of people involved and active in business, management and professional life in Malta. You can discover more by visiting whoswho.mt, Malta’s leading online business search engine and networking platform.

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CARLO MICALLEF

Chief Executive Officer - MTA

Carlo Micallef is a graduate of the University of Malta with a Bachelor of Commerce, Management specialised in Marketing.

He carries with him a long-standing career of 25 years in various important roles within the Malta Tourism Authority and the Institute for Tourism Studies.

During this period, he served as Director of the same Authority in its Amsterdam office where he was responsible for the promotion of the Maltese Islands in the Netherlands, Belgium, and the Nordic Countries. After this experience abroad, he returned to Malta and was entrusted with the expansion of our country’s promotion in new tourism markets and niches.

In 2014, Carlo Micallef was appointed as Chief Marketing Officer at the Malta Tourism Authority and in 2017 he was appointed as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the same authority.

In 2013, he started serving on the Board of Governors of the Institute for Tourism Studies and in 2017 he was appointed chairman of the same educational institution.

KEVIN FSADNI

Deputy CEO - MTA

Kevin Fsadni was born in 1973 and graduated from the University of Malta in Engineering and Architecture in 1995.  

After working in the private sector as an architect, he joined the Malta Tourism Authority in 2001 where he worked in product development and project implementation. In 2015 he was appointed Director - Product Development, overseeing all projects and initiatives related to Heritage, Coastal Zone Management and Tourism Development. In 2022, he was appointed Deputy CEO with the responsibility for Product Development, Licensing, compliance, quality Assurance and Eco-Certification.

Kevin is also involved in a number of cross-ministerial initiatives related to policy development and sits on Boards and Committees including the Tourism Regeneration Agency and the Planning Authority. ​

Appointed by the Minister for Tourism

A short bio of this Board Member will be available shortly.

GEORGE MICALLEF

Board Member - MTA

George Micallef has worked in the tourism industry his entire life. He has been a practising freelance tourism development consultant since 1987 but remained actively involved in the hotel industry ever since. He holds directorships on a number of companies and sits on various tourism governing local and international boards. George has led a number of projects in the Public and Private sector both in Malta and overseas and served as a consultant to various Ministers of Tourism over the years.

He has extensive experience in tourism development at a national level and has collaborated with various international institutions, published various articles and studies and delivered papers at international fora on tourism development.  

TANIA SULTANA

Head of Research - MTA

Tania is Head of Research at the Malta Tourism Authority. She has worked in tourism for 24 years and her main area of expertise is tourism market research and strategic planning. She received her Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) degree in 1998 and completed a Master of Science in Strategic Management and Marketing in 2018 at the University of Malta. She has participated and presented research work in international tourism research conferences and seminars namely organised by Eurostat, OECD and UNWTO. She represents the Malta Tourism Authority and is currently Vice-Chair of the Market Intelligence Group (MIC) of the European Travel Commission.

MARY ROSE BRIFFA

Malta Tourism Observatory

Mary Rose is the newly appointed Manager of the Malta Tourism Observatory. Mary Rose has worked in different sectors, during her years of employment. For the last seven years, Mary Rose Briffa worked as a Manager II Research at the Project Development Policy Implementation of the Ministry for Tourism. She was involved in the drafting of the Malta’s Tourism Strategy 2021-30.

After finishing college, she started her work experience with a small advertising agency where she was involved in the day-to-day running of the company. She then spent eleven years in the telecommunication industry, at the then Telemalta/Maltacom. After her working experience in the telecommunication industry, she spent a short period as a Marketing Executive in a Travel Agency. She then spent another eight years in a tertiary vocational education institution namely MCAST, working with students with intellectual disabilities and assisted in one-to one session with mainstream students, studying marketing and management.

Mary Rose attained all her academic qualifications during her working period. She attained a Masters in Marketing from the renowned Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK whilst working in the telecommunication industry. She also attained a graduate teacher certificate in vocational education and training, from MCAST whilst working at the same tertiary institute. And finally, during her tenure at the Ministry she attained an MBA in International Hospitality Management with the Institute of Tourism Studies, in affiliation, with the Emirates Academy.

LESLIE VELLA

Chief Officer Strategic Development - MTA

Managing Director

Leslie Vella was born in 1964 and graduated from the University of Malta with a BA (Hons) in Business Management.  

He has a 39-year career in tourism with the MTA where he is currently Deputy CEO and Chief Officer Strategic Development.  He specialises in Policy, Strategy, Research and Planning.  

Leslie served for 17 years as Chair of the European Travel Commission’s (ETC) Market Intelligence Group between 1997 and 2014 and also served as ETC’s Vice President between 2016 and 2017.  He is Malta’s Focal Point to the UNWTO.  

In 1999 he co-authored “The Economic Impact of Tourism in Malta” and in 2015 drafted Malta’s National Tourism Policy to 2020. He has also drafted Malta’s Tourism Strategy and Recovery Plan for the period 2021-2030.

ANTHONY GATT

Permanent Secretary - Ministry for Tourism

Mr Anthony Gatt was appointed Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Competitiveness and Digital, Maritime and Services Economy in May 2016. In June 2017 he was appointed Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Energy and Water Management. In November 2020 this Ministry was redesignated as Ministry for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development. In April 2022 Mr Gatt was appointed Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Tourism.   He graduated with Masters in Business Administration from the University of Malta.   Mr Gatt has had a long career within the Public Service. He has worked in various Ministries and Departments, including the Ministry for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications and the Department of Contracts. In 2015 he was appointed Director for Corporate Services within the Ministry for European Affairs and Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto, led by the Deputy Prime Minister. Over the years as a public officer, Mr Gatt has represented Malta at various meetings organised by the European Union.

GEOFFREY LIPMAN

Geoffrey is co-Founder and current President of SUNx Malta - Strong Universal Network – a global initiative to support Climate Resilience, related SDG’s and Emergency Response through Climate Friendly Travel. He is also envoy for Sustainable Tourism Global Centre and lead for TPCC – Tourism Panel on Climate Change.  

Throughout his long career, Geoffrey played a key role in the emergence of Tourism as a serious socio-economic sector. He occupied leadership positions in various international bodies, including Executive Director at IATA, first President of WTTC and Assistant Secretary General of UNWTO. Geoffrey served on public / private sector boards in Africa, Europe, Middle East and Canada. He was Tourism Envoy to UNDP Administrator; Member EU Commissions on Airline Liberalisation and on Tourism Employment: Environment Advisor to the Governor of Jeju Island, Korea: President ICTP (International Coalition of Tourism Partners). Worked closely with the World Economic Forum on its Competitiveness and Smart Travel activities.  

Geoffrey has written and lectured widely on tourism strategy, sustainability, and liberalisation. 

MICHAEL PISCOPO

PR Consultant - MTA

Michael joined the National Tourism Organisation  of Malta, MTA’s predecessor, in 1988 as Advertising & PR Executive.

In a career spanning over 30 years, he held various positions in the field of Marketing and PR, both locally and abroad. He served as Director of the Malta Tourist Office in Amsterdam (3 yrs), in New York (5 yrs) and in London (3 yrs), promoting Malta and Gozo in the respective markets. He was also Director Communications & Digital Media, responsible for MTA’s websites, social media, corporate communications, promotional literature, branded items, and  a network of Tourist Information Offices.

Michael presented at various conferences both locally and overseas. He sat on the boards of professional organisations including ANTOR in London and Amsterdam, the New Media Group of the ETC in Brussels, the US Working Group of the ETC in New York, and the Executive Committee of the Americas Division of the Middle East Mediterranean Travel & Tourism Association (MEMTTA) in USA.

Michael holds a BA (Hons) degree in Public Administration from the University of Malta.

AMANDA ZAMMIT

Director (PDPID) - Ministry for Tourism

Amanda Zammit holds a B.A. (Hons) in International Relations, an M.A. in European Studies and an MBA. 

After completing a traineeship with the European Commission in 2007, she joined the public administration in Malta. She has extensive experience in EU funds and EU affairs and has worked on various EU funding programmes both at the Managing Authority and within Line Ministries. In 2018 she was appointed as the Director for Policy Development and Programme Implementation (PDPID) at the Ministry for Energy and Water Management whereby she was responsible for policy, EU and international affairs and EU funds.

In November 2022 she was appointed as the Director for PDPID at the Ministry for Tourism.  

USCHI BORG OLIVIER

Board Secretary

Uschi Borg Olivier was born in 1969 and studied at Vienna Business School. Her career spans various business development and managerial roles. Between 1998 and 2014 she was in charge of International Business Development with an Austrian Group of Companies in the area of quality components manufacturing. Since 2015 has been managing the MTA’s Route Development Unit where she is responsible for maintaining relationships with airlines offering connectivity to Malta.

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• Blue Lagoon area still full of litter in spite of…

Blue Lagoon area still full of litter in spite of government promises, NGO says

Areas around the Blue Lagoon in Comino remain full of litter in spite of repeated promises by the government about a cleanliness drive, NGO Nadur Nadif said Monday.

This is happening in May, which is still a low season compared to the heavier influx of tourists and locals alike during the hotter months.

In 2023, the NGO said it had led extensive cleanup efforts on Comino Island, spotlighting the detrimental impacts of illegal dumping on its picturesque ecosystem. These endeavours resulted in the removal of over 200 garbage bags from iconic locations stretching from the Blue Lagoon to Santa Marija Tower.

“Additionally, we engaged in fruitful discussions with key governmental bodies, including the Ministries for Gozo and Tourism, and the Environment Resources Authority (ERA), aiming to explore actionable solutions for bolstering environmental protection measures on Comino. We extend our gratitude to the Ministry for its initial actions, including addressing excessive noise and removing unsightly green plastic netting from the trees that had died,” the NGO said.

Revisiting the island as summer approaches, we assessed its readiness for the upcoming influx of visitors. Unfortunately, our observations revealed a recurring pattern. Despite assurances of heightened enforcement and environmental stewardship, tangible progress remains elusive. Sections of the island surrounding the Blue Lagoon were still littered, a situation deemed intolerable for a designated Natura 2000 site, the NGO said.

The spectrum of litter ranges from common items like cups and bottles to more egregious examples such as discarded pineapples. Additionally, bins lack proper labelling, exacerbating waste management challenges. Furthermore, the constant hum of generators disrupts the island's tranquillity, drowning out the natural sounds of waves and avian life.

During our visit, it was noticed that a significant amount of waste had accumulated at the campsite. Although the bins outside were cleaned and put back in place, the mess within the campsite remained raising questions about whether the Ministry of Gozo is solely employing garbage collectors or cleaners.

This concern is heightened by data from parliamentary questions: in 2017, according to parliamentary question no. 1895, there were 11 people employed by the Ministry for Gozo, while parliamentary question no. 20731 indicated 15 in 2021, and parliamentary question no. 8153 & 13137 reported 18 in 2023.

This not only represents an increase in trend, but in the response to question no. 13137, Minister Clint Camilleri specified that they are designated as “Beach Cleaners”. “So, we appeal for thorough work to be done, not only for the environmental protection and conservation, but also for the thousands of visitors who flock to the island,” the NGO said.

“We believe that strengthening and further enforcement of these fines is essential to ensure compliance with Comino's Natura 2000 regulations by all parties. To address these challenges, pragmatic solutions have been proposed, including the implementation of clearly marked bins, designating Comino as a plastic-free zone and increase the enforcement on the island,” the NGO added.

However, the delay in translating these suggestions into action is evident. The lack of proactive measures is disheartening, especially considering Comino's potential to attract quality tourism and to enrich Malta's heritage. As we approach summer 2024, we urge all stakeholders to fulfil their duty in preserving Comino's natural beauty for future generations, Nadur Nadif said.

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