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Malta opens up on June 17 to most Americans

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Effective June 17, 2021, The United States of America was added to Malta’s Amber List on a state-by-state basis.

U.S. Citizens from 40 states** (listed below) will be welcome to enter Malta following the guidelines for Amber list countries. This statement was issued by Malta’s Superintendent of Public Health. 

Mr. Johann Buttigieg, Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Tourism Authority, welcomed this announcement and hailed it as “another step forward for Malta’s Tourism Sector, which is breathing life again, after COVID-19 restrictive measures were relaxed, slowly and gradually, keeping everyone’s health and safety as a topmost priority, together with ensuring that Malta still has all the right ingredients for everyone to Feel Free Again.” He added, “Malta looks forward to welcoming back Americans, one of our strongest inbound markets.”

All the latest updates and information about COVID-19 and Malta’s efforts to curb the spread of the virus, whilst guaranteeing the relaxing holiday all visitors deserve, can be found at www.visitmalta.com/covid-19.

APPROVED STATES

**Travel to and from the United States of America is limited to the following states Washington, Oregon, Louisiana, Arizona, West Virginia, Colorado, North Dakota, Indiana, Georgia, Texas, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Tennessee, Iowa, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, New Mexico, Florida, Virginia, Maine, South Dakota, Michigan, Illinois, Delaware, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, New Jersey, Minnesota, Connecticut, Alaska, New Hampshire, Maryland, New York, Rhode Island, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Vermont, California.

About the Amber List – Including U.S Citizens (Limited to Specific States) 

Effective June 17

With effect from Thursday, June 17, 2021, passengers arriving from countries on the ‘Amber List‘ are required to submit a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate with the date and time stamp of the test, before boarding flights to Malta. This swab test would need to have been carried out within 72 hours prior to arrival in Malta.  

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 sights and 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. For more information on Malta, visit www.visitmalta.com.

More news about Malta

#rebuildingtravel

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Malta Tourism Authority

Michelle Buttigieg, Representative North America

Tel: (212) 213-0944 

Fax: (212) 213-0938 

E-mail: [email protected] 

MTA US Editorial Contact

The Bradford Group

Gabriela Reyes/Karen Hoffman

Tel: (212) 447-0027 

Fax: (212) 725 8253 

E-mail: [email protected]

Herd immunity reached in Malta!

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Malta, an archipelago in the Mediterranean, was the first country in the European Union to start vaccinating people over 16 years of age.

As of two weeks ago, today, much earlier than initially projected, Malta has reached herd immunity, with 70% of the adult population now vaccinated with at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and with 42% of the population now fully vaccinated.

Malta’s National Vaccination Program has led to a sharp decrease in new COVID-19 cases recorded daily, with the number of daily deaths also coming to a halt for the last 17 days, and subsequently also reporting a daily decrease in Active COVID-19 Cases.

“Malta achieving its herd immunity from COVID-19 is of paramount importance for the local economy especially to the tourism sector. The Maltese Government’s strategy of a strong vaccination rollout complimented with restrictive measures aimed at being eased in a gradual manner are the main ingredients behind this positive news. Our country will remain vigilant in its fight against the virus, while assuring that Malta’s tourism industry truly becomes sustainable in the post-pandemic era,” declared Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection, Clayton Bartolo.

“Today’s announcement gives us the right amount of motivation which we all need, as we are set to welcome tourists back to the Maltese Islands as from the 1st June. This development will definitely serve as a further incentive for holiday-makers looking for a relaxing and most importantly, safe holiday,” Malta Tourism Authority Chief Executive Officer, Johann Buttigieg added.

 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 sights and 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. For more information on Malta, visit www.visitmalta.com.

More news about Malta

#rebuildingtravel

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Malta Tourism Authority

Michelle Buttigieg, Representative North America

Tel: (212) 213-0944 

Fax: (212) 213-0938 

E-mail: [email protected] 

MTA US Editorial Contact

The Bradford Group

Gabriela Reyes/Karen Hoffman

Tel: (212) 447-0027 

Fax: (212) 725 8253 

E-mail: [email protected]

Malta, a Mediterranean gem, announced new financial incentives for MICE market organizers

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Malta, a Mediterranean Archipelago, has become an increasingly attractive MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Events) destination for the North American market, with its historic and breathtaking outdoor event venues, excellent infrastructure and over 300 days of sunshine a year. Especially important for these markets is that Malta is English speaking, has good air access, and no visa requirements and all at less cost than comparable mainland European destinations. Now, Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) has launched an incentive program for MICE organizers for events held in Malta or its sister island of Gozo with a grant of up to €150 (approx. US$160 incl. vat) per event participant.

According to Christophe Berger, Director, Conventions Malta, “Malta’s connectivity with major European airports coupled with the many great outdoor spaces, safety protocols and a professional supplier network are some of the reasons why Malta is the ideal destination for meetings and incentive travel for organizations based in the United States and Canada. I’m confident that our new MICE Business Incentive will prove to be very attractive to organizations and their meeting and event planners in their efforts to boost post Covid Event Planning by offering attendees a new, unique, exciting and safe destination.”

Why Malta? Ten Top Reasons why MICE organizers Choose Malta:

  1. Conventions Malta provides access to all sites
  2. Short Connecting flights from most European Hubs as well as Istanbul
  3. Ease of Communication – English Speaking
  4. Excellent infrastructure
  5. Short transfer times in Malta
  6. Temperate Mediterranean Climate
  7. Professional Service Providers 
  8. Good Value for Time and Money
  9. European- a member of the EU
  10. Malta’s famous Hospitality
Fort St. Angelo

Financial Grants per MICE Participant

The aim of the scheme is to boost the MICE industry in Malta and Gozo to attract new MICE Business in 2021 and 2022 and achieve a long-term and sustainable recovery. Organizers who can prove that they are spending at least €800 (approx. US$960 incl. vat) per delegate on the Maltese Islands will receive a grant of €150 (approx. US$160 incl. vat) per foreign delegate. Organizers who spend at least €600 (approx. US$700 incl. vat) per invited person in Malta are entitled to a grant of €75 (approx. US$90 incl. vat) per head. These expenses may include hotel accommodation, land transport, meals, excursions, team-building activities, event production and logistics and must be documented per participant. International flights or other means of travel to and from the Maltese Islands are excluded from the expenses.

Application for funding from April 19

Applications to participate in the Maltese Support Program can be submitted online at www.bit.ly/micescheme from April 19, 2021. Applications can be submitted directly by all corporate clients, professional conference organizers, MTA licensed “Destination Management Companies” (DMCs), MTA Licensed hotels and audio-visual companies for their MICE activities. Applications will be processed in the order in which they are received. Assistance under this scheme is subject to approval and will be granted at the sole discretion of the Malta Tourism Authority.

General Conditions

Each event can only be supported once, and the award will only be paid after the completion of the event. To be eligible for funding, the group size of the event must be more than 10 persons and involve a minimum stay of two nights in Malta or Gozo. In addition, the event program must promote Malta, Gozo and Comino in the best possible way.

The quality of service and product must always be guaranteed. 

Further information and conditions of participation can be found here: https://www.mta.com.mt/en/news-details/295.

Info about protocols and traveling safely: https://www.conventionsmalta.com/en-GB/news/%20airportreopeningfully/2131 

National Museum of Natural History

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 sights and 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. For more information on Malta, visit www.visitmalta.com.

About Conventions Malta

Conventions Malta operates as part of the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) which is a national non-profit government organization, established for over 25 years.  Conventions Malta focuses on conference and incentive travel and Association business to the Maltese Islands. The role of Conventions Malta is that of promoting Malta, Gozo & Comino as a MICE destination focusing on research and planning, marketing and promotion, product development and quality assurance. We work closely with all MTA licensed local trade partners to develop and enhance Malta’s MICE offer. Conventions Malta offers free of charge, unbiased information and assistance to event organizers looking to host their next event on our shores. Conventions Malta does not operate on a commercial basis.

More news about Malta

#rebuildingtravel

Media Contacts:

Malta Tourism Authority

Michelle Buttigieg, Representative North America

Tel: (212) 213-0944 

Fax: (212) 213-0938 

E-mail: [email protected] 

MTA US Editorial Contact

The Bradford Group

Gabriela Reyes/Karen Hoffman

Tel: (212) 447-0027 

Fax: (212) 725 8253 

E-mail: [email protected]

Vaccination milestone as Malta hits 50%!

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As Malta prepares to welcome back tourists as of June 1, 2021, it opened up non-essential shops and services today with plans to ease further measures within two weeks. An archipelago in the Mediterranean, Malta has been setting high standards in the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine, ever since its National Vaccination Program kicked off on December 27, 2020.

In fact, as of today, over 50% of the adult population has now been vaccinated with at least one dose of the vaccine, while 1 in 5 have also received the second dose as 100,686 second doses were administered as of Sunday April 25, 2021.

Now, with people aged 40+ and 50+ currently registering to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, Malta is in fact the first country to be providing the vaccine to the general population age bracket. This is following a staggered approach, which saw various cohorts receive the vaccine as per their age, namely 85+ Years (93% vaccinated); 80+ years (89% vaccinated); 70+ Years (90% vaccinated); and 60+ years (85% vaccinated).

“All of this augurs well for when Malta intends to start welcoming back tourists from June 1st, 2021, confirmed by  Malta’s Prime Minister, Robert Abela, during a recent press conference. The Malta Tourism Authority is launching various strategies as part of its Tourism Recovery Plan, aimed at incentivising tourists, hotels, and tour operators alike, to ensure that anyone can enjoy a safe, healthy and much-needed summer holiday” Johann Buttigieg, MTA CEO said.

Valletta coast

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 sights and 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. For more information on Malta, visit www.visitmalta.com.

More news about Malta

#rebuildingtravel

Media Contacts:

Malta Tourism Authority

Michelle Buttigieg, Representative North America

Tel: (212) 213-0944 

Fax: (212) 213-0938 

E-mail: [email protected] 

MTA US Editorial Contact

The Bradford Group

Gabriela Reyes/Karen Hoffman

Tel: (212) 447-0027 

Fax: (212) 725 8253 

E-mail: [email protected]

The prestigious 2021 MICHELIN Guide Malta awards stars to two more restaurants as the Mediterranean archipelago establishes itself as a gastronomic destination

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The Malta MICHELIN Guide 2021 has awarded two more restaurants with Michelin stars on the Maltese islands. An archipelago in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta continues to establish itself as a gastronomic destination in 2021. Established in the late 19th century, Michelin has maintained its benchmark of international food for more than 120 years, fostering a culture of travel and eating out as well as recognizing some of the finest restaurants in the world. MICHELIN Guide Malta showcases the intricate compromising of cuisine that is inspired by Malta’s rich past, combining European culinary influences and local Maltese traditions. 

The new MICHELIN Guide highlights the outstanding restaurants, breadth of cuisine styles and culinary skills found in Malta and its sister island of  Gozo. This years’ Stars were awarded to: 

The 2021 Guide builds on the success of last year’s first ever edition of the Michelin Guide on the islands of Malta and Gozo. The standard of cooking on the islands continues to excite as now five, of the 31 total recommended restaurants featured in this year’s guide, have managed to earn a MICHELIN Star.

International Director of the MICHELIN Guides, Gwendal Poullennec, commented that “the last year has created enormous challenges for the hospitality industry around the world and our hearts go out to all those facing difficulties in these trying times. Our inspectors, like the restaurants themselves, have had to adapt, but we were very pleased that they were able to spend time on the islands and find two new Michelin Stars and 5 new Michelin ‘Plates’ to add to the Guide”.

ION – The Harbour (Valletta)

Situated on the stunning rooftop of the luxurious Iniala Harbour House and Residences, ION – The Harbour offers award winning cuisine surrounded by world-class design and unrivalled views of the picturesque Grand Harbour. From the ambience to the service, the food to the in-house Sommelier wine pairing, all elements have been seamlessly brought together to create a finished dish that highlights the perfect moment of taste. 

Bahia (Lija)

Bahia, a prestigious navel orange that has been the pride of the people from Lija, is now honoured with a chic bistro carrying its name. Using skills developed in some of the best kitchens on the island, Bahia values innovation and respect towards an array of high quality ingredients. Accompanying this exquisite food, is a selection of prestigious wines and other beverages to best suit the guests’ meals. 

Bajia and ION – The Harbour join the ranks of the three first Maltese Star establishments:

Bib Gourmand

Additionally, the three existing Bib Gourmand restaurants, awarded for restaurants offering high quality dining at a reasonable price, all retained their award for the year 2021 for “good quality, good value cooking”. 

MICHELIN Plates

The new Guide to Malta also includes 23 restaurants which have been awarded the Plate symbol, indicating the cuisine has “fresh ingredients, was capably prepared; and is simply a good meal”. 

To see all 31 restaurants listed in the 2021 MICHELIN Guide Malta, click here.

Ion the Harbour – copywright Christian Marot, Ion the Harbour

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 sights and 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. For more information on Malta, visit www.visitmalta.com.

About Gozo

Gozo’s colors and flavors are brought out by the radiant skies above it and the blue sea which surrounds its spectacular coast, which is simply waiting to be discovered. Steeped in myth, Gozo is thought to be the legendary Calypso’s isle of Homer’s Odyssey – a peaceful, mystical backwater. Baroque churches and old stone farmhouses dot the countryside. Gozo’s rugged landscape and spectacular coastline await exploration with some of the Mediterranean’s best dive sites.

More news about Malta

#rebuildingtravel

Media Contacts:

Malta Tourism Authority

Michelle Buttigieg, Representative North America

Tel: (212) 213-0944 

Fax: (212) 213-0938 

E-mail: [email protected] 

MTA US Editorial Contact

The Bradford Group

Gabriela Reyes/Karen Hoffman

Tel: (212) 447-0027 

Fax: (212) 725 8253  E-mail: [email protected]