malta tourism promotion

Malta offers deals to lure visitors as it opens to tourists from 38 US states

Jun 21, 2021 • 4 min read

Malta is paying travelers to visit this summer © Dado Daniela / Getty Images

In the same month that Malta became the first EU country to reach herd immunity, according to its officials, the pretty archipelago reopened its borders, is offering financial incentives for visitors and is now welcoming tourists from 38 US states.

Malta is one of the most vaccinated destinations in Europe, with 70% of its adult population now vaccinated with at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, and 56% of the population fully vaccinated. As it gradually reopened to tourism from June 17, the Maltese government launched its "Incentives for Free Independent Travellers" scheme. It is designed to encourage independent travelers who are visiting for a minimum of three nights to directly book their holiday stays in five-, four- and three-star hotels to receive discounts.

Visitors staying at participating five-star hotels will get €100 ($120) per person towards the cost of their stay, and those staying at four-star hotels will be allocated €75 ($90) per person. Guests at three-star hotels will receive €50 ($60) per person off every booking. Participating hotels are expected to match the incentive amount granted by Malta Tourism Authority, and must allocate the same amount to the traveler to be spent on accommodation, food and beverages and other services within the hotel property, effectively doubling the discounts.

You can view the list of participating properties here . When booking hotel, travelers will receive a promotion code that can be used to redeem discounts. Most of the promotions will be valid for stays in June and July, though offers may be extended. As an added incentive, visitors to hotel properties on the island of Gozo will receive an additional 10% value on these incentives.

But it's not just hotels that are offering discounts. Visitors can also redeem a €100 voucher at a diving school in Malta; while English-language students that spend between 15 and 30 nights in Malta will be given a €10 allowance per day for food and drink. From October, visitors over the age of 65 who travel to Malta will also receive a €10 per day food and drink allowance if they spend up to 30 nights on any Maltese island.

Malta uses its own traffic light system to categorize countries and regions based on their COVID-19 situation and a number of entry restrictions remain in place. Travelers coming from 'green' or 'safe' country will only be subjected to thermal screening at the airport and must fill in a passenger locator form. Currently no countries are on the 'green' list.

Travelers coming from 'amber' countries, including most European countries, the UK, and Canada, are required to submit a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate before boarding flights to Malta. Travelers from 'red' countries are not permitted to travel to Malta.

At present, Malta categorizes 38 US states, plus Puerto Rico and Washington D.C., as amber, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

The other states are listed as red.

Read more: Malta and Gozo's best beaches

As Malta reopens to tourists, it's worth noting the use of masks on beaches and at pools is still recommended. But many aspects of pre-pandemic life has returned this month, bars are open again; restaurants allow up to six people per table, and groups of up to six people are allowed to mix outdoors.

Malta will participate in the EU COVID Certificate program when it is up and running in July, and will permit any fully vaccinated EU resident, even those traveling from an 'amber' EU country to enter without providing a negative test result. It is looking at ways to safely allow more non-EU residents to enter. Meanwhile, further information on both travel restrictions and the Incentives for Free Independent Travellers scheme can be found on Malta Tourism Authority's website here .

This article was originally published on April 26, 2021 and updated on June 21, 2021.

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This European Country Will Pay You to Visit

Alene Laney

Alene Laney is a freelance writer covering real estate, personal finance, and travel. She lives in the Southwest with her husband, four boys, and German Shepherd.

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Malta, a stunning island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, will pay you to visit this year. 

Opening June 1 to tourism, Malta’s travel incentives will offer vouchers for both hotels and diving excursions. Malta hopes their incentives will bring in around 35,000 tourists and usher in a strong return to tourism. If you’re interested in getting paid to stay in a hotel or dive off the coast of Malta, this might be for you. 

Why You’ll Want to Visit Malta

Malta’s rich history and limestone-walled cities make this one of the most special places you’ll ever visit. The island is home to the oldest stone structures in the world (yes, even older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Egypt). The gorgeous water, limestone cliffs, and sun-drenched location in the Mediteranean don’t hurt, either. 

You’ve probably seen Malta without realizing it. Dozens of blockbuster movies have been filmed in Malta . The old world feel and relatively unspoiled nature of the islands make for beautiful cinematography. It’s worth putting near the top of your bucket list.

Don’t believe me? This promotional video will have you scrambling for your passport. 

Malta is set to re-open for tourism starting in June. Travelers need a negative COVID-19 PCR test as of now, but it is expected that evidence of full vaccination will be sufficient in the near future. You can find up-to-date information on Malta’s Tourism Authority website .  

These Cities and States Will Pay You to Relocate

Vouchers for Hotel Rooms

You can get a voucher for up to 100 Euros ($120) per person for a hotel. The amount you’re eligible for will depend on the star-rating of the hotel and you must stay at least three nights to qualify for the incentive. 

For the three-night stay, travelers can be reimbursed:

• €100 per person for a five-star hotel
• €75 per person for a four-star hotel
• €50 per person for a three-star hotel

If you want to stay in a hotel on the neighboring island of Gozo, you’ll get an additional 10 percent on top of that. 

More information about the hotel incentive can be found here , and if you’re interested in a hotel voucher, you’ll want to fill out this Google Form . 

The 14 Best Vacation Rental Sites for Travelers in 2021

Vouchers for Diving

To support scuba diving tourism, Malta is also offering travelers a  €100 voucher for a dive excursion. The voucher may be used at licensed dive centers in Malta.   

The Malta Tourism Authority says, “This scheme incentivises visitors to experience the Maltese Islands’ clear blue Mediterranean sea as an ideal location for scuba diving activities with an abundance of reefs, caves and wrecks that make diving here some of the most interesting in the Mediterranean.”

More information about the dive promotion can be found here and registration is done by Google form here . 

Vouchers for both the hotel incentive and the dive promotion will expire at the end of 2021. 

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This European Island Nation Will Pay Tourists to Visit This Summer

The higher the hotel class you book, the more you can earn.

Want to make some money while on summer vacation?

In order to jumpstart its tourism economy, Malta announced a scheme on Friday to encourage independent travelers to stay in its hotels starting in June.

According to the official release , the Malta Tourism Authority will pay each visitor who books a three-night stay directly with select three- to five-star hotels on a scaled basis. Those who stay at a five-star property will get €100 (about $119) per person on every booking, while guests at four-star hotels will earn €75 (about $89) and visitors at three-star hotels will score €50 (about $60).

Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo added that those amounts will be matched by the hotels, doubling them at every level, so that visitors can earn up to €200 (about $238) for their three-night stay at a five-star hotel, Reuters reported . And those who go to Malta's smaller island of Gozo will get an additional 10% incentive on top of that.

With €3,500,000 (about $4.1 million) allocated toward the plan, the country hopes that it can attract over 35,000 visitors with the budget, the release stated .

Currently, Malta is still in a partial pandemic lockdown, with the first steps toward reopening starting today (childcare, kindergartens, and primary schools are reopening, and visits to elderly homes are allowed again). Nonessential shops and services will reopen on Monday, April 26, the same day groups of up to four will be able to gather in public, according to the Malta Tourism Authority's site .

But the biggest date on the calendar is Tuesday, June 1, when they will officially open to travelers. After all, 27% of the nation's economy comes from tourism, according to World Travel and Tourism Council data. The country saw 2.7 million visitors in 2019, but that number dropped by 80% when the coronavirus pandemic hit, Reuters reported .

The CDC currently has Malta at a level 4 "very high level of COVID-19" advisory, telling Americans to avoid all travel to the nation. The country has had 29,614 COVID-19 cases and 402 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic, according to Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center data . According to Reuters , 42% of its adults have received one dose of the vaccination, the highest rate in the European Union.

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This web portal is maintained and administered by the Malta Tourism Authority.

You can find more information about: 

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At the Malta Tourism Authority, we are all about bringing people together, creating and fostering relationships, through the excitement of travel and adventure. Essentially, the Malta Tourism Authority is the main regulator and motivator for the tourism industry in Malta. The MTA Is also the industry’s motivator, its business partner, Malta’s brand promoter, and sees to it that meaningful partnerships with all the tourism stakeholders are formed, maintained, and managed.

At face value, this means being close to those who visit our Islands, but as an Authority, we also work closely alongside our private sector partners. More importantly, we help strengthen the industry’s human resources, as we seek to ensure the highest standards and quality of our tourism product and foster relations with local and international media.

The Authority was formally set up by the  Malta Travel and Tourism Service Act (1999) . This legislation clearly defines our role – extending it beyond that of international marketing to include a domestic, motivating, directional, coordinating, 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.

Our Role is

• to promote and advance Malta as a quality and sustainable tourism destination;
• to advise the country’s executive on tourism operations and to issue licences under the Act;
• to contribute towards the improvement of the level of human resources in the tourism industry; and
• to advise the government on the planning and development of the tourism industry as well as on the infrastructure supporting the industry.

Ultimately, as an Authority, we are here to assist and advise on any tourism-related issues and to undertake activities and projects to fulfill our role.

Standards and Licensing

The MTA mission includes licensing, monitoring, and control of:

• Accommodation and catering establishments; Travel agencies, incoming tourism agencies and destination management companies;
• Organised excursion operators; and
• Tourist guides.

If you have any comments regarding tourism services on the Islands, feel free to contact us.

Customer Care

E-mail:  [email protected] Tel: 356 22915000 Freephone: 356 80072230 * Website:  http://www.mta.com.mt

* Available from Monday to Friday: 08.00 – 12.30 and 13.15 – 17.00.

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Tourism Trends – Malta’s 2024 Forecast

March 19, 2024

Forecast: In the ever-evolving landscape of global tourism, Malta emerges as a shining gem in the Mediterranean. As we look ahead to 2024, it is crucial to analyze the upcoming trends that will shape the tourism industry in this picturesque island nation. From rising visitor numbers to sustainable travel initiatives, Malta’s forecast for 2024 showcases a blend of tradition and innovation that will attract travelers seeking both historical charm and modern amenities. Join us as we research into the key trends that will define Malta’s tourism outlook for the upcoming year.

Economic Impact of Tourism

Contribution to gdp.

For the year 2024, Malta’s tourism sector is projected to make a significant contribution to the country’s GDP. The influx of international visitors, coupled with spending on accommodations, food, transportation, and attractions, is expected to boost the GDP by a substantial margin.

Employment and the Tourism Sector

For the upcoming year, tourism in Malta is anticipated to play a vital role in job creation and sustaining employment levels. The sector not only directly employs many individuals in hotels, restaurants, tour companies, and other related businesses but also indirectly supports jobs in various supporting industries.

Economic growth in the tourism sector can have a far-reaching impact on overall employment rates in Malta. The stability and growth of the tourism industry can provide job opportunities for a wide range of skill sets, from entry-level positions to managerial roles, stimulating the economy and enhancing the standard of living for communities reliant on tourism.

Emerging Tourism Trends in Malta for 2024

Rise of eco-tourism.

One of the prominent emerging trends in Malta for 2024 is the rise of eco-tourism . Travelers are increasingly seeking sustainable and environmentally friendly options when exploring destinations. Malta’s unique biodiversity and stunning landscapes provide the perfect setting for eco-conscious travelers looking to connect with nature while minimizing their carbon footprint.

Technological Advancements and Smart Tourism

Malta is at the forefront of technological advancements and smart tourism in 2024. The implementation of cutting-edge technologies such as augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and IoT devices is revolutionizing the overall tourist experience. From smart hotel rooms to digital tour guides, visitors can expect a seamless and immersive journey through Malta’s rich history and culture.

Ecotourism offers a way for travelers to contribute positively to the environment while enjoying their vacation. By supporting local conservation efforts, adopting sustainable practices, and choosing eco-friendly accommodations, tourists can help preserve Malta’s natural beauty for future generations to enjoy.

Marketing and Promotion Strategies

Digital marketing initiatives.

Strategies Once again, in 2024, Malta’s tourism industry is poised for growth, and digital marketing initiatives will play a pivotal role in promoting the destination. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for the tourism sector to adapt and leverage digital platforms to reach a wider audience . Investing in social media marketing, influencer collaborations, and targeted online advertising campaigns will be crucial in showcasing Malta’s unique offerings and attracting travelers from around the globe.

Niche Market Development

To capitalize on the changing travel landscape, Malta should focus on niche market development to stand out in a competitive market. By targeting specific segments such as eco-tourism, cultural experiences, luxury travel, or adventure seekers, Malta can differentiate itself and appeal to travelers seeking personalized and unique experiences. Emphasizing the island’s sustainability initiatives, cultural heritage, and luxury offerings will be key in capturing the interest of these discerning travelers.

Challenges and Opportunities

Infrastructure and sustainable development.

Keep in mind that while Malta’s tourism industry continues to grow, it faces challenges in maintaining and developing its infrastructure sustainably. The small island nation must balance the need for new hotels and attractions with the preservation of its natural beauty and historical sites.

Diversification of Tourist Attractions

Any successful tourism destination must constantly work on diversifying its attractions to cater to a wide range of tourists. Malta has the opportunity to expand beyond its traditional sun-and-sea offerings by promoting its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes.

Attractions in Malta are not limited to its picturesque beaches and clear blue waters. It boasts a wealth of historical sites, charming villages, and unique events year-round. It is vital for Malta to highlight these diverse offerings to attract a more varied demographic of visitors, such as cultural enthusiasts, history buffs, and nature lovers.

Presently, Malta’s tourism industry is poised for significant growth as it continues to embrace sustainable practices, digital transformation, and niche tourism offerings. The forecast for 2024 anticipates a rise in experiential travel, eco-friendly accommodations, and a focus on wellness tourism. By staying ahead of the trends and meeting the evolving demands of travelers, Malta is set to attract a diverse range of visitors and solidify its position as a top tourist destination in the Mediterranean. It is necessary for the tourism sector in Malta to align with these trends and capitalize on the opportunities they present to ensure long-term success and sustainability in the years to come.

How will tourism impact Malta’s GDP in 2024? Tourism in Malta is expected to make a substantial contribution to the country’s GDP in 2024, driven by an influx of international visitors spending on various sectors like accommodations, food, and transportation.

What role does tourism play in employment within Malta? Tourism in Malta is a significant contributor to job creation, directly employing individuals in hotels, restaurants, and tour companies, while also supporting jobs in related industries, thus playing a vital role in sustaining employment levels.

What emerging trends can travelers expect in Malta for 2024? Travelers can anticipate a rise in eco-tourism and the integration of technological advancements like augmented reality and smart tourism, offering a seamless and immersive experience through Malta’s rich history and culture.

How is Malta promoting itself through digital marketing? Malta is leveraging digital platforms through social media marketing, influencer collaborations, and targeted online advertising campaigns to showcase its unique offerings and attract travelers globally.

What challenges does Malta face in its tourism development? Malta faces challenges in balancing the development of infrastructure with sustainable practices and diversifying its attractions beyond traditional sun-and-sea offerings to cater to a wider range of tourists.

With over 20 years experience in web design, SEO and website promotion I always give you an expert advice in regard to any issues related to your Site Design, SEO, Internet Marketing, Promotion, Backlinks, Site Content. In order to help you find out what is missing or can be improved and get higher rankings in Google and more traffic.

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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.

Type To Search

Sport tourism scheme.

SPORT TOURISM SCHEME

Malta’s climate offers the ideal destination to attract sporting activities and events to Malta and Gozo. For many years, SportMalta has, in collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority, introduced schemes in relation to this factor and has, through experience, improved the scheme to become more effective and beneficial to the sports scenario in Malta. Over the years the scheme has been revamped, such that sports entities can benefit in a just and equitable manner, depending on the size of their organised event and the amount of the bed-nights generated by the foreign participants.

To this effect, Federations, Associations, Clubs and Foundations and are being encouraged to participate in this scheme.

  For further details, kindly refer to  Terms & Conditions  document, available below.

  Application Process:

Applications for funding of events in year 2024 are now open.

Deadline to submit application: Thursday 7th December, 2023

  Signed application form shall reach SportMalta by e-mail to  assistances.sportmalta@ sportmalta.org.mt

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Tuesday, 28 May 2024 09:52 PM

#Budget2023/24

Govt allocates Rs 5.46 billion for promotion of tourism

Published On: May 28, 2024 03:54 PM NPT By: Republica  | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, May 28: The government has allocated Rs 5.46 billion for the promotion of tourism, said Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun while presenting the budget for the fiscal year 2024/25 in parliament on Tuesday.   

In the next fiscal year, the government has targeted the arrival of 1.6 million international tourists. Promotional activities will be organized in foreign countries including India. The government said it will promote religious tourism.

Eco-hills will be established in the Chure and Himalayan mountain regions. The Great Himalayan Trail and Mundhum Trail will be facilitated for trekking routes. 

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TAT and Traveloka sign Memorandum of Agreement to enhance Thai tourism promotion

The strategic collaboration covers marketing, sustainability, and data sharing to boost inbound and domestic tourism in thailand..

Bangkok, 27 May 2024 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Traveloka, Southeast Asia’s leading travel platform, today signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to enhance the travel platform’s commitment to Thailand’s tourism industry. Both parties will collaborate to promote inbound and domestic tourism, including secondary destinations.

The MOA provides the legal framework for Traveloka to collaborate with the TAT on dual marketing campaigns, sustainability initiatives and travel insights. This agreement also allows Traveloka to collaborate directly with the TAT Head Office in Bangkok and all domestic and overseas offices. This will further strengthen Traveloka’s support of the Thai travel industry through its extensive reach and expertise.

Ms Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said , “This MOA marks a strategic collaboration with Traveloka, our long-term partner who has been supporting us in promoting secondary cities and inbound travel. The agreement will enable us to expand the scope of our partnership. In addition, this enhanced partnership with Traveloka will help solidify Thailand’s position as an industry leader in moving towards experience-based and sustainable tourism. This is in alignment with TAT’s direction to elevate Thailand’s travel industry and enhance its competitive advantage.”

The recent joint campaign, ‘Unveiling Thailand’s Treasure’, in which Traveloka played a crucial role, was successfully implemented this year. This collaboration extends TAT’s ongoing efforts to promote secondary cities and emerging destinations across Thailand.

“Traveloka is very pleased to support the policy to drive tourism for sustainable economic growth. From January to March, the campaign ‘Unveiling Thailand’s Treasure,’ in collaboration with the TAT, was highly successful in showcasing the potential of lesser-known tourist destinations to a wider audience,” Mr. Albert Albert, Traveloka Co-founder, said. “According to last year’s statistics, Traveloka saw an increase in domestic market sales, both in flights and accommodations, especially during Chinese New Year and Songkran festivals in Bangkok and its vicinity, as well as in major tourist provinces like Chiang Mai, Songkhla (Hat Yai), and Udon Thani. This reflects the continued demand for domestic travel, signalling positive growth for the local economy.”

TAT’s campaign has broadened the spectrum of tourism activities, spanning economic advantages to emerging destinations. It also promotes the exploration of secondary cities, uncovering ‘Hidden Gems’ that bring a fresh and interesting dimension to travel itineraries.

Traveloka is well positioned to support this, offering flights, accommodation, and local attractions to enhance the customers’ experiences that are available under “Attractions & Activities” in the Traveloka app. The market potential for international travellers is also substantial and drawing them to visit and explore Thailand can enhance our global standing as the go-to travel platform.

In addition, Traveloka witnessed a significant demand in the domestic market, especially as the lunar new year and Songkran holidays approached, with Bangkok Metropolitan emerging as the leading domestic source city, followed by Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, and Udon Thani. Utilising these data-driven insights will enable both parties to identify customer’s travel needs and aspirations while collaborating to promote sustainable tourism practices that contribute to the well-being of local Thai communities.

“This partnership proves the robust relationship between Traveloka and the TAT. We are confident that together we can continue to promote Thailand as a world-class travel destination,” Mr. Albert concluded.

This year, TAT has set a target of generating 3 trillion Baht, with 1.92 trillion Baht coming from international tourism and 1.08 trillion Baht from domestic tourism. Last year, Thailand welcomed 28 million visitors, generating a 1.2 trillion Baht revenue.

TAT Newsroom

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The Promotion of Underwater Cultural Heritage Sites in the Digital Era: The Case of Peristera Classical Shipwreck in Alonissos

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• Vasiliki Drouga 3 &
• Efthymia Sarantakou 4  

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The legal establishment of Accessible Underwater Cultural Heritage sites and Diving Parks in Greece brought to the surface the need for a synchronous protection and promotion plan in the context of sustainable tourism development. Particularly for underwater environments, which are accessible to divers only, non-divers’ accessibility can be achieved through the development of new technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality. This paper examines the valorization of the Underwater Cultural Heritage through innovative digital applications for the promotion of diving destinations. The work involves a twofolded comparative analysis: one for the selection of diving destinations in different Northeast Mediterranean countries and a second one for the evaluation of existing digital applications. The paper focuses on the case of the classical shipwreck of Peristera in regard to the management plan of the underwater museum and the destination of Alonissos.

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Drouga, V., Sarantakou, E. (2024). The Promotion of Underwater Cultural Heritage Sites in the Digital Era: The Case of Peristera Classical Shipwreck in Alonissos. In: Katsoni, V., Cassar, G. (eds) Recent Advancements in Tourism Business, Technology and Social Sciences. IACuDiT 2023. Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-54338-8_49

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