malta 33 seasons Stretching the
The Queen and Hollywood ‘royalty’ are doing their bit to make this a big year for Malta, a close-at-hand island with shades of Britain that appeals to a wide range of travellers, says Jeannine Williamson
T
here are plenty of reasons this year to promote the sunny island that is already a longstanding
favourite with the British market. This November (27-29) Malta will host
its second Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, which will be attended by the Queen, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. And last year Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
enjoyed a belated honeymoon on the island while fi lming the romantic movie By the Sea, due to be released later this year. Then there is the capital, Valletta, gearing up to being the European Capital of Culture in 2018, plus new fl ights and tour operator packages, A very safe destination, and less than
three hours’ fl ying time from London, Malta combines the familiar sights of red telephone boxes and well-known high street stores with a unique culture, unspoilt countryside and a warm Mediterranean climate. Two distinct periods of rule – the Knights
of the Order of St John of Jerusalem and the British – have shaped the island’s history and left a rich legacy of architecture and sights. In the past Malta has traditionally appealed
to a more mature market, but with its family- friendly beaches, watersports, outdoor activities, spas, cuisine, nightlife, festivals and an excellent range of accommodation including rustic farmhouses and fashionable boutique hotels, it caters for all age-groups, tastes and budgets. The Malta Tourism Authority is currently promoting the destination’s appeal to a broad range of clients from honeymooners to multi-generational families, and wants to boost year-round tourism. For the best of both worlds, twin-centre packages
combine Malta with green sister island Gozo or tiny Comino with its landmark Blue Lagoon. Zoe Towers, General Manager Product at Jet2holidays, says: “Malta is a brand new destination for us this year and we’re already experiencing strong booking fi gures. “It is easy to see why Malta is so popular, with its beautiful beaches, historical sights and abundance of activities, there really is something for everyone on this small but perfectly formed island.”
Perfect ten
Warm weather: Averaging 12 hours of sunshine in summer and six in winter, it’s a
year-round destination.
sellingtravel.co.uk
Familiar Feel: In addition to red telephone boxes British trappings include
driving on the left.
All-round accommodation: From village rooms to family resorts and luxury
hotels, there’s something for everyone. Culture: With 7,000 years of history there are many fascinating sights to
explore across the three islands. Beautiful beaches: Whether you want to sunbathe, windsurf or build
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