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Malta: A history lover’s paradise

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The Pre-History trail is the final addition to Malta Tourism Authority’s series of maps. Travellers can step back in time to see the vibrant past of this Mediterranean archipelago, which boasts a history that pre-dates the Egyptian pyramids by 1,000 years. The Maltese Islands have a bounty of incredible historical gems that include temples, churches, statues and catacombs with remains dating back to 4,000 BC.

Despite being one of the hottest destinations on the European map for contemporary nightlife and music festivals, the islands also offer a host of amazing experiences for culture lovers and history buffs. Sightseeing highlights include the magnificent Ggantija Temples on the island of Gozo, the eerie catacombs on the outskirts of the old Roman capital Mdina, and the educational archaeology museum in Malta’s capital, Valletta.

Pre-History Trail highlights include:

  • Ggantija Temples – These are the oldest free-standing structures in the world, predating the Egyptian Pyramids by 1,000 years.
  • Kordin Temples, Paola – The Kordin Temples were inhabited by many settlers throughout the years, including the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans. Kordin III is the only temple from the three Corradino temples still standing today.
  • Saflieni Hypogeum, Paola – Discovered in 1902, the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is an underground prehistoric burial site. The complex, made up of interconnecting rock chambers, was used for centuries and the earliest remains found date back to 4000 BC.
  • Ta’ Bistra Catacombs, Mosta – Excavated in 1933, the Ta’ Bistra catacombs are the second largest set of catacombs in Malta. The site is 300 feet long and consists of 57 tombs laid out in 16 chambers.
  • St. Paul’s Catacombs, Rabat – St. Paul’s Catacombs are the largest complex of interconnected, underground Roman cemeteries that were in use up to the 7th century AD in Malta. Located on the outskirts of the old Roman capital Mdina, St. Paul’s Catacombs represent the earliest and largest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta.

For more information or to download the map visit www.maltauk.com

MEDIA CONTACT: Lauren Williams, Emily Olsen or Georgia Gogarty at [email protected] or 020 73269880

Star struck: Half of world’s star rated hotels located in Europe

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Half of the world’s star rated hotels are located in Europe. The latest numbers show that there are 402.933 star rated hotels worldwide, of which 204.151 are located in Europe. Asia comes in second with a total 85.337 star hotels. The rising star welcomed almost 5.000 new star rated hotels over the past three years.

Italy leads the way

Europe is home to a total of 600.000 hotels and accommodations, of which a third is rated with a star. Glamour country Italy is the European star leader with 32.803 star rated hotels. Not surprisingly, the only European 7-star hotel is located in Italy: Hotel Seven Stars Galleria in Milan. This hotel has only seven suites with prices between 1.500 and 15.000 euro. Croatia is right behind Italy. The country is catching up fast, as the amount of star rated hotels has doubled since 2015. From 13.834 star hotels in 2015 to 29.282 in 2019.

UK vs France

Europe is doing especially well in the luxury department. The number of 5-star hotels has doubled over the past three years: from 5.508 to 9.112. Most 5-star hotels can be found in the United Kingdom: 1.212. This is almost three times as much as France. Even though France has double the amount of accommodations: 62.001 against 31.093 in the United Kingdom. Last in the European country list is Vatican City with just one 4-star hotel. Amen to that.

Asia is growing fast

Although Europe is a solid number one, the star of Asia is rising. The continent has 85.337 star hotels, 4.944 more than three years ago. Most Asian star rated hotels are located in China. But the number of star rated in hotels in backpackers favorite South East Asia has grown fast with 10% in three years: from 32.883 in 2016 to 36.365 in 2019.
Falling stars in The United States.

The United States has the highest amount of hotels and accommodations worldwide: 436.068. But only 45.462 of these hotels are star rated. If you’re looking for luxury, the United States should not be your pick. The country has just 806 5-star hotels, 68 less than two years ago.

7-stars in the Middle East

Luxury lovers will love the Middle East. There are only three 7-star hotels in the world, and two of them are in the Middle-East. Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi and the famous Burj Al Arab in Dubai: the first 7-star hotel in the world. Prices vary from € 1.000 to € 50.000 per night. Seeing stars already?

Travel News | eTurboNews

Malta, where Game of Thrones all began, plays host to the 5th Annual Valletta Film Festival

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Malta, the first location for Season One of  Game of Thrones, plays host to the annual  Valletta Film Festival (VFF), June 14-23, presented by the Film Grain Foundation. This year will mark the Fifth Anniversary of this exciting film lovers’ event. During the ten-day event, Valletta will be transformed into a live cinema with screenings and events taking place in historic buildings and outdoor venues including Pjazza Teatru Rjal and Pjazza San Ġorġ. Over the years, the streets of Valletta hosted various international productions like World War Z, Assassin’s Creed, The Count of Monte Cristo, Game of Thrones and Murder on the Orient Express.

Pjazza Teatru Rjal/Photo courtesy of Film Grain Foundation – Ali Tollervey

The VFF attracts more than 10,000 visitors and is the largest cinematic event in Malta. “What makes Malta a unique setting for a film festival is that the Maltese Islands themselves are world famous for film production,” said Oliver Mallia, Co-Founder and Co-Director with Slavko Vukanovic, both film producers in their own right. “Movie buffs can visit locations used for the sets of such headliners as the Game of Thrones, and blockbuster films including Gladiator and Troy.”

Malta offers Valletta Film Festival goers a transformative experience, witnessing where major blockbusters have been filmed while at the same time watching a number of Europe’s newest films. The festival will screen over forty feature films, twenty-four short films, and organizes many different master classes and workshops.

Pjazza San Ġorġ/Photo courtesy of Film Grain Foundation – Ali Tollervey

VFF 2019 will introduce the first Cinema of Small Nations Competition open to feature-length and short films from small countries in Europe and the Middle East. This competition will put a spotlight on the reality of cinema in small nations, and will highlight the abundance of talent and creativity that is often seen in films produced by filmmakers in these countries.

Michelle Buttigieg, Malta Tourism Authority representative in North America, noted “Film Tourism is trending and very popular with American and Canadian tourists who love to travel for film festivals as well as visit the locations of their favorite movies or TV Series. Malta’s movie sets include the iconic Popeye’s Village which is still one the Islands’ most popular tourist attractions, to the hottest HBO show, Game of Thrones, which started in Malta.”

For the VFF 2019 #VFF5 program visit https://www.vallettafilmfestival.com/

To purchase VFF 2019 passes visit https://www.vallettafilmfestival.com/2019-festival-pass-tickets/

About Malta

The sunny islands of Malta, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, are home to a most remarkable concentration of intact built heritage, including the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in any nation-state anywhere.  Valletta built by the proud Knights of St. John is one of the UNESCO sites and was the European Capital of Culture for 2018. Malta’s patrimony in stone ranges from the oldest free-standing stone architecture in the world, to one of the British Empire’s most formidable defensive systems, and includes a rich mix of domestic, religious and military architecture from the ancient, medieval and early modern periods. With superbly sunny weather, attractive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do.

MTA US Editorial Contact:

The Bradford Group

Karen Hoffman/ Bianca Pappas

Tel: (212) 447-0027

Fax: (212) 725 8253

E-mail: [email protected]

5 places to visit on your bucket list

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While everyone’s ultimate travel bucket list is different, there are certain destinations that really shouldn’t be missed, from American and Canadian destinations to places around the world, including these.

Ireland

The Emerald Isle is truly magical, even if leprechauns aren’t real, or are they? You can visit the Leprechaun Museum in Dublin to find out, but the highlight here is the scenery, and the castles, the music, the people. Visit ancient sites like Newgrange, even older than Stonehenge, constructed in 3200 BC, making it older than even the Great Pyramids of Giza too. Haunting castles and castle ruins dot the lush, green landscape, and there are beautiful beaches along the rugged coasts. Some of your favorite times might be found in the pubs, many of which host live music almost every night of the week, along with plenty of Guinness and craic.

Nashville, Tennessee

Music lovers especially should visit Nashville. Known as the “Music City,” it’s home to hundreds of live music venues that draw well-known names as well as up-and-coming artists. And, while you’ll find plenty of country, that’s not all. Its most famous venue is Grand Ole Opry, and at the historic Ryman Auditorium, visitors can even attend a live recording. The city also boasts a booming rock scene, with venues big and small, including The Basement, an intimate venue hosting everything from metal to acoustic shows.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

America’s top attraction with foreign visitors, the Grand Canyon is one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Up to 18 miles wide, a mile deep and 227 miles long, the canyon walls are made up of a stunning array of colors and erosional forms, made even more impressive at sunrise and sunset. You’ll want to do more than peer over the edge, though. You can enjoy an unforgettable adventure by riding a mule to the bottom, or head out to explore one of its more remote regions, making the long but rewarding trek to gaze at one of the world’s most breathtaking sights, Havasu Falls.

Antarctica

The ultimate bucket list destination, when your vessel gets through the waters of Orne Harbor, you’ll be welcomed by hundreds of squawking penguins tending their young in a desolate frozen landscape where iceberg peaks soar as much as 300 feet from of the sea. Minke and humpback whales, fur and leopard seals, are just a few of the other creatures you’re likely to encounter in one of the world’s last true frontiers.

Iceland

While its name might lead you to believe that it’s all about icy landscapes here, it’s anything but. The winters are similar to what you’d experience in major cities on America’s east coast, and the summer months are incredible with countless roaring waterfalls and hot springs in an otherworldly place of epic fairytale proportions. Soak in the legendary Blue Lagoon with its milky blue mineral-rich waters, or head to one of the more remote hot springs where you can soak in seclusion.

Travel News | eTurboNews

Aruba Tourism and Baseball Major Leaguer promote travel the “Xander Way”

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The Aruba Tourism Authority announced today a year-long partnership with all-star shortstop and native Aruban, Xander Bogaerts. Serving as a brand ambassador for the Caribbean island, Bogaerts will star in a content series promoting travel to Aruba and encouraging visitors to experience the island the “Xander Way.”

Throughout the Major League Happiness campaign and via a series of videos, Bogaerts shows sports fans and tourists alike around his “Dushi Tera” (Papiamento for “Sweet Land”). Take a tour with Xander through his colorful and artistic hometown of San Nicolas, also known as the Sunrise City where visitors can explore street art and get a sense of authentic Aruban culture.

“Aruba to me, is more than my birthplace and my home, it’s where I’m able to relax, reconnect with family, go fishing with friends, and enjoy the beautiful waters,” noted Bogaerts. “I’m excited to partner with the Aruba Tourism Authority to show my fans in Boston and around the country my favorite hot spots in Aruba.”

The series showcases Xander’s favorite spots around Aruba that appeal to all types of travelers, including Eagle Beach for beach lovers, which was recently rated third in the 2019 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice ® awards for Beaches. Intrepid explorers will be inspired by Xander’s trip to Seroe Colorado, the island’s southernmost tip that provides sweeping views of Aruba’s rugged coastline. Xander also visits Baby Beach, a picturesque half-moon beach with beautiful turquoise waters in a calm lagoon and some of Aruba’s best restaurants that highlight the diverse culinary offerings available across the island.

“We are thrilled to have one of our native sons and popular baseball player, Xander Bogaerts join us in promoting Aruba to the American traveler. Aruba’s beautiful waters, pristine beaches and desert-like terrain hold a special place in the hearts of all native Arubans, and we can’t wait to welcome Xander fans from Boston and around the world to experience our One Happy Island,” said Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, CEO of Aruba Tourism Authority.

Fans of Aruba and Bogaerts can follow the campaign on social media using @arubatourism on Instagram and @aruba on Twitter and with the hashtag #XandersAruba throughout the baseball season for opportunities to win a trip to Xander’s Happy Island.

For more information or to see Xander’s Aruba, visit aruba.com/xander.

Travel News | eTurboNews