Malta – For Immediate Release | Official News Wire for the Travel Industry

MTA US/Canada Editorial Contact:

The Bradford Group

Karen Hoffman/Gabriela Reyes

Tel: (212) 447-0027

Fax: (212) 725 8253 E-mail: visitmalta@bradfordglobalmarketing.com

Christmas in Malta Comes to Washington DC

November 18, 2020 by PressEditor

In July, the Ministry for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government of the Republic of Malta partnered with Museum of the Bible to host an exhibition contest of handcrafted Nativities from artists of the island nation of Malta and its sister island, Gozo. Now, 10 finalists have been selected to have their Nativity scenes displayed at the museum as part of the Christmas in Malta exhibition.

“The high level of quality of the cribs submitted for this competition testifies to the dedication and craftsmanship of the Maltese and Gozitan crib-artists,” a Malta Winds article noted. “An expert jury chose the cribs to be sent to Washington, DC. These cribs offer very varied themes, with some incorporating the Maltese landscape as part of the crib structure. Some of the crib-artists have even decorated their crib with original statues.”

The apostle Paul is credited with bringing the gospel to Malta (Acts 28) around A.D. 60. For centuries, the people of Malta and Gozo have celebrated Christmas by crafting Nativity cribs for display in homes, outside and in churches. According to Keith Azzopardi, ambassador of Malta to the United States of America, the earliest known Maltese Nativity was built at the Dominican Friars Church in Rabat, Malta, in 1617. The Nativity-building tradition in Malta began to flourish during the 1800s and early 1900s.

“Through this exhibition, we are providing the opportunity for Maltese and Gozitan artists, works, and craftsmanship to be recognized for their intrinsic cultural and religious value around the world,” said José Herrera, minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government of Malta. “The exhibition is certain to generate interest in religious tourism and Maltese expression of Roman Catholic worship traditions.”

**Select Image of finalists in the handcrafted Nativity scenes from Malta on display at the Museum of the Bible**

The 10 finalists will be displayed at the museum from Nov. 16, 2020, through March 2021.

Museum visitors and social media followers are invited to select the winning Nativity. Votes may be cast in person at the exhibit or online via museum Instagram and Facebook pages.

The first-place Nativity will become a permanent part of the Museum of the Bible’s collections, and the nine other finalists will continue to be showcased in exhibitions in Malta and globally through 2021.

“We are excited to showcase these beautiful Maltese and Gozitan Nativity scenes at the museum,” said Jeffrey Kloha, Ph.D., chief curatorial officer for Museum of the Bible. “I believe visitors will enjoy seeing how the Christmas story is told through this rich tradition. Again, we give special thanks to His Excellency, Ambassador Azzopardi, for helping to bring these Nativities to the Museum of the Bible.”

Additionally, Malta President George Vella gifted the Museum of the Bible copies of the first printing of the Bible in Maltese. Ambassador Azzopardi presented the Bibles Thursday, Oct. 29, during an event hosted at the Museum of the Bible as a prelude to the Nativity exhibition.

More information on the Museum of the Bible is available here.

About Malta

#rebuildingtravel

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Malta Tourism Authority – North America

Michelle Buttigieg

P 212 213 0944

F 212 213 0938

MTA US/Canada Editorial Contact:

The Bradford Group

Karen Hoffman/Gabriela Reyes

Tel: (212) 447-0027

Fax: (212) 725 8253

E-mail: visitmalta@bradfordglobalmarketing.com

Discover Old Maltese Traditions Preserved to This Day

November 9, 2020 by PressEditor

Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta, has always been rich with traditional local crafts. These crafts are highly valued in the local culture of the Maltese Islands. Some crafts, such as lace making and basket ware, have been around in Malta for thousands of years.

Weaving, embroidery and lace-making were often encouraged by the Church. Life in Gozo, one of Malta’s sister islands, and much of rural Malta was relatively harsh and craft industries became a main source of income for rural families. A craft that flourished under the Knights was gold and silverware. Malta’s most precious production is filigree and jewelry. Today, Maltese goldsmiths are thriving, their work often exported to major cities abroad.

History of Lace Making

Back in the 16th century, pillow lacing was invented in the city of Genoa, Italy. In 1640, the Order of St. John introduced lace to Malta. A significant increase in lace makers was needed due to the high demand by Knights, clergy and members of the Maltese aristocracy. It continued to prosper until the end of the 18th century, when the Maltese islands were conquered by Napoleon Bonaparte. During this time, lace making nearly died out. But thanks to Lady Hamilton Chichester, who took an interest in Maltese lace, revived lace making. During the 19th century, a piece of lace from Genoa was given to a Gozitan woman by a clergy member, she studied the lace pattern and did her best to copy it. She taught herself, her sisters and friends in order to birth the skill of lace making in Gozo. It became popular among Gozitan women and girls, as well as clergy members. The lace they made was used to enrich the sacred vestments and church decor. During the Great Exhibition in London in 1851, Maltese lace was first exhibited. At this event, Prince Albert showcased an assortment of artistic and scientific interests from all over the world.

Since Maltese lace was exported across Europe, as far as India and China, mothers, daughters and all other family members, including boys, mass-produced lace on commission for both the local and foreign industries.

Maltese Lace

Maltese lace, or “il-bizzilla,” is one of the oldest and most esteemed traditions in Malta. Though it is made typically from Spanish silk, the symbolic Maltese cross embedded into the lace pattern is what makes it unique. Maltese lace is the name of a continuous technique called “bobbin lace” or “bobbin lace making,” which refers to how the Maltese lace is made by using bobbins, which are small wooden “sticks” made typically of fruit tree wood. Visitors should not miss out on the opportunity to see these local lacemakers when strolling through the streets of Gozo or visit Ta’ Qali Crafts Village, which has become an important tourist attraction.

History of Filigree

A craft that really flourished under the Knights was gold and silver ware. Malta’s most precious production is filigree and jewelry. Filigree is a delicate adornment in which thin threads of gold or silver are twisted into a design and then are patched onto the jewelry. The craft of filigree traces all the way back to ancient Egypt and the Phoenicians spread this technique to Malta and throughout the Mediterranean.

Filigree in Malta

Local Maltese craftsmen have made filigree their own by using the eight-pointed cross, a notable symbol found in different variations, with gems, gold or silver, and on bracelets, rings, and earrings. Most jewelry shops around Malta and Gozo sell filigree, but experiencing the craft made in person right then and there is an enchanting process to watch. Visitors should not miss visiting the Ta’ Qali Crafts Village, for an opportunity to purchase a piece of Maltese heritage.

Luzzu

Fishermen still use the colorful wooden Maltese boats called “Luzzu.” In every luzzu there is an engraved pair of eyes on the front of the boat. These eyes are believed to be a modern survival of an old Phoenician tradition and normally referred to as the Eye of Osiris, the Phoenician’s god of protection from evil.

The picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk is famous for its harbor filled with Luzzu’s, great seafood restaurants, and for the Sunday Fish and Souvenir Market. Luzzu are also available to take visitors out to explore more of Malta’s historic coastline as well as go deep sea fishing

About Malta

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Malta Tourism Authority – North America

Michelle Buttigieg

P 212 213 0944

F 212 213 0938

MTA US/Canada Editorial Contact:

The Bradford Group

Karen Hoffman/Gabriela Reyes

Tel: (212) 447-0027

Fax: (212) 725 8253

E-mail: visitmalta@bradfordglobalmarketing.com

Valletta, Malta’s Capital, Ranked #5 on the World Best Small Cities

October 9, 2020 by PressEditor

Condé Nast Traveler announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards 2020 with Valletta, Malta’s Capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ranked #5 in the World Best Small Cities category.

Valletta, built by the proud Knights of St. John, was named a 2018 European Capital of Culture. A historically rich city, in the past few years Valletta has become even more popular with visitors for its cultural events, great restaurants, and nightlife scene. Valletta has two Michelin-starred restaurants, Noni and Grain. For Game of Thrones (GOT) fans, they will recognize several scenes shot in Valletta when most of GOT season 1 was shot on location in Malta.

“All Maltese are very honored and proud that Valletta was selected and ranked #5 on the World’ Best Small Cities by the readers of such a prestigious and sophisticated media title as Conde Nast Traveler,” said Carlo Micallef, Deputy CEO, Chief Marketing Officer, Malta Tourism Authority. He added, “We invite those who have enjoyed Valletta to come back as the city is constantly evolving and those who have not yet been put it on their 2021 bucket list.”

More than 715,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers submitted an incredible number of responses rating their travel experiences across the globe.

“The results of this year’s survey, conducted at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, are a testament to the lasting power of meaningful travel experience,” said Jesse Ashlock, U.S. Editor of Condé Nast Traveler. “The winners represent the best of the best for our audience and offer plenty of trip-planning inspiration for all the adventures we can’t wait to have next.”

The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry. The full list of winners can be found on the Condé Nast Traveler website.

The 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler’s website at www.cntraveler.com/rca and celebrated in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler US and UK print editions.

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.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Malta Tourism Authority – North America

Michelle Buttigieg, Representative

P 212 213 0944

F 212 213 0938

MTA US/Canada Editorial Contact:

The Bradford Group

Gabriela Reyes/Karen Hoffman

Tel: (212) 447-0027

Fax: (212) 725 8253

E-mail: visitmalta@bradfordglobalmarketing.com

About Condé Nast Traveler

Condé Nast Traveler is the world’s most distinguished travel title providing inspiration and advice for discerning travelers. Authoritative and influential, Condé Nast Traveler is a multi-platform, transatlantic brand. Publishing US and UK print editions under Editor-in-Chief Melinda Stevens, Condé Nast Traveler offers award-winning expertise in luxury travel from around the world. For more, visit www.cntraveler.com.

For press inquiries, please contact: awards@condenasttraveler.com

Malta Welcomes 79 Boats for Rolex Middle Sea Race

October 1, 2020 by PressEditor

On October 17, 2020, Malta, an archipelago in the Mediterranean, will hold its 41st Rolex Middle Sea Race. This iconic race features some of the world’s most premier mariners on the most high-tech vessels in the sea. With a wide range of contestants from Chile to New Zealand, the international appeal of the Rolex Middle Sea Race makes the race even more compelling.

Many consider the Rolex Middle Sea Race as one of the most beautiful racecourses in the world. This race is a 606 nautical mile-long course starting and ending in Malta. Although the route may seem simple, with the varied wind and sea conditions, it makes for a tactical challenge even for these experienced crews.

“We are delighted with the size and diversity of the fleet in the circumstances,” noted Peter Dimech, the Principal Race Officer. “At the moment, we have every hope of getting the race underway as planned despite the headwinds we face.” The headwinds are coming from various directions. “In terms of the operational elements, we are closely following guidelines issued by the World Health Organization and the Malta Health authorities, and also World Sailing, who have provided considerable best practice advice generally and specifically for offshore races,” explains Dimech. “We are also looking at the best practice of other national federations to ensure we are adopting a comprehensive approach.”

Safety Measures for Visitors to the Rolex Middle Sea Race

Due to Covid-19, there are new restrictions and guidelines to follow for safety measures. There will only be one access point to the club. Before entering, your temperature will be checked, and masks are required for entry. The club is offering free disposable masks for visitors if needed. For more information on Covid-19 safety guidelines, click here.

Registration

Registration is open now for the 2020 41st Rolex Middle Sea Race click here to register now.

Safety Measures for Tourists

Malta has produced an online brochure, which outlines all the safety measures and procedures that the Maltese government has put into place for all hotels, bars, restaurants, clubs, beaches based on social distancing and testing.

For more information about the History of the Rolex Middle Sea Race click here.

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.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Malta Tourism Authority – North America

Michelle Buttigieg

P 212 213 0944

F 212 213 0938

MTA US/Canada Editorial Contact:

The Bradford Group

Gabriela Reyes/Karen Hoffman

Tel: (212) 447-0027

Fax: (212) 725 8253 E-mail: visitmalta@bradfordglobalmarketing.com

Malta’s Flourishing Wine Scene

September 23, 2020 by PressEditor

Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta has established itself as a flourishing wine scene. Maltese vintages are not as renowned for wine production as its Mediterranean neighbors but are more than holding their own at international competitions, winning several accolades in France, Italy, and further afield.

International grape varieties grown in Malta include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Carignan, Chenin Blanc, and Moscato. Indigenous varieties include: Gellewza (a red-skinned variety for reds and rosés) and Girgentina (for white wine production), are producing some excellent wines of distinct body and flavor.

Malta and its sister island of Gozo, an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea with year-round sunshine, make it the perfect climate for producing exceptional wines. The lack of rain-fall in the Maltese Islands is counterbalanced by a system of irrigation. The grapes are grown with exceptional tannins and a firm acid structure due to the soil’s high PH level. This results in white and red wines that both have high aging potential.

History of the Indigenous Maltese White Olives

From 1530 to 1798, when the Knights of the Order of St. John held control of Malta, these white olives were known as perlina Maltese (Maltese pearls) all across Europe. Bajada trees enhanced the gardens of wealthy knights and their fruit was used in one of the country’s signature recipes – rabbit stew. They have historically been valued ornamentally and even religiously.

Varieties of Maltese olives, like the bajada and bidni, had nearly disappeared after thriving for several thousand years on the islands. In 2010, the number of trees was down to just three. A batch of 120 new olive trees was planted in Malta as part of an initiative by the Mediterranean Culinary Academy to produce olive oil from olives purely native to the Maltese Islands. The ‘Bidni’ olive, which also lends its name to the resulting olive oil, is found only in Malta.

Researchers who have studied the white olive say that its unique pale color is simply a quirk of nature. Oil from white olives is similar to that of black and green olives, yet it has a short shelf life due to low levels of bitter-tasting antioxidants that also makes for a natural preservative. Hence, the sweeter taste of white olives.

Tours and Tasting

Tours and tastings can be arranged at select wineries. Depending on the season, tours cover the entire production from the initial fermentation through to the aging process. They also include wine history museums and opportunities to taste and buy a variety of vintages. Wine-tasting and vineyard tours are also organized by specialized local agents such as Merill Eco Tours.

Hidden Gems of Malta — *Wine Cellars in Malta © Malta Tourism Authority*

Must-See Wineries

Meridiana

Meridiana is located in central Malta, and their wine cellars are four meters below sea level.
They produce internationally acclaimed wines made from wine-grapes exclusively grown in Maltese soil.
Winery Tours followed by a wine tasting on one of the scenic terraces are organized by appointment either via e-mail info@meridiana.com.mt or by calling the Estate at 356 21415301.

Marsovin

The wine cellars are situated in a building dating to the Order of St. John, home to over 220 oak barrels used for premium red wine aging. The Marsovin estates and cellars are a testimony to Marsovin’s commitment to the culture of wine.
The Marsovin cellars represent four generations of wine-makers and expertise of 90 years.
The wine is aged in imported barrels of French or American oak, which imparts specific qualities to the nature of the wine and its aroma.

Delicata

For over 100 years, Delicata has remained family-owned in the Delicata family.
Delicata’s portfolio of wines has scored with over a century of international awards including Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals in Bordeaux, Burgundy, and London.
Tasting sessions are held only by appointment for members of the wine trade and food and wine journalists.
Their Vines for Wine Project launched in 1994 to encourage landowners to grow quality grapes for the winery. Delicata’s team of viticultural experts has helped the farming community to plant hundreds of vineyards throughout Malta and Gozo with this project.

Tal-Massar

A small winery in Gharb on the Maltese islands, yet the only one that produces high-quality wines made from grapes grown without the use of herbicides.
Events are organized on request by booking and limited to groups of between 8 people and up to 18 people. All meals are cooked on-site by a private chef and during the meal, the winemaker presents every wine and explains how best to appreciate them. For more information, email info@massarwinery.com

Ta’ Mena Estate

The Estate is situated in the picturesque Marsalforn Valley between Victoria and Marsalforn Bay. It includes a fruit garden, an olive grove with about 1500 olive trees, an orange grove, and over 10 hectares of vineyards. It enjoys the panoramic views of the Gozo Citadel and the surrounding hills and villages.
At Ta’ Mena Estate they organize different activities such as guided tours around the estate followed by wine and food tasting, lunches and dinners, barbecues, snacks, cooking sessions, full/half day activities, etc. Also, they offer agricultural experiences including fruit picking, wine-making, olive-oil pressing, and more.

About Malta

#rebuildingtravel

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Malta Tourism Authority – North America

Michelle Buttigieg

P 212 213 0944

F 212 213 0938

MTA US/Canada Editorial Contact:

The Bradford Group

Karen Hoffman/Gabriela Reyes

Tel: (212) 447-0027

Fax: (212) 725 8253

E-mail: visitmalta@bradfordglobalmarketing.com

Malta: The Perfect Place to Charter a Yacht and Explore the Mediterranean Coast

August 11, 2020 by PressEditor

There is no better and safer way to explore the beautiful Mediterranean coast than with a private yacht charter, starting in Malta! The Maltese archipelago, with three main islands, Malta, Gozo, and Comino, is a hub for luxury yacht charters.

The Grand Harbour Marina is located in the heart of Valletta, Malta’s Historic home port, it’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. A great place to start a yachting vacation, Valletta, the 2018 European Capital of Culture, is a vibrant city with a mix of historic sites, outdoor restaurants, and a thriving nightlife

Exploring the Maltese islands by yacht is like sailing through 7000 years of history. With approximately 122 miles of Coastline, Malta’s clear blue sea allows guests to enjoy beautiful secluded beaches, an abundance of reefs, stunning caverns and caves. Malta is also known as one of the world’s top diving destinations, with historic sunken treasures to explore. One can set off early from Valletta, passing the Three Cities and its historic fortifications, admire the rugged cliffs as the yacht sails to the sister islands of Gozo and Comino. Not to be missed in Gozo are the Ġgantija temples, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Comino, yachters can enjoy swimming in the famous Blue Lagoon. There are also several marinas to choose from on the Maltese Islands such as Msida Yacht Marina, Mgarr Harbour, and Vittoriosa Yacht Marina. Or even better, the Captain can find a secluded cove and drop anchor.

Yacht Charter Safety

Yacht charter companies are going through great lengths to ensure that their yachts are entirely safe. The yachts have upgraded their current cleaning and hygiene regimes and are putting new protocols into place to ensure the health and safety of both charter guests and their crews. These protocols include extending turnaround times between charters to allow for an extensive cleaning, regularly testing crew, and isolating rotating crew ashore before they rejoin the boat. Since July 15, all international flight restrictions have been lifted in Malta. The list of destinations that have been approved can be found here.

The Health Authorities have advised that as from July 1st, crew changes to and from Malta will be permitted with respect to persons, which includes crew members, traveling from the list of countries as listed in the Travel Ban Order. Dr. Alison Vassallo, Chairperson of the Yachting Services Business Section, said that “The fact that Malta has achieved international praise for its response in curtailing the virus has meant that we are now in a position to welcome yachts back to our shores while ensuring compliance with the preventive measures recommended by the Authorities.”

Safety Measures for Tourists

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

#rebuildingtravel

Media Contacts:

Malta Tourism Authority

Michelle Buttigieg, Representative North America

Tel: (212) 213-0944

Fax: (212) 213-0938

MTA US Editorial Contact

The Bradford Group

Gabriela Reyes/Karen Hoffman

Tel: (212) 447-0027

Fax: (212) 725 8253

Hollywood Blockbuster Jurassic World 3 Will Start Filming in Malta the End of August

August 6, 2020 by PressEditor

The Hollywood blockbuster, Jurassic World 3, will start filming in Malta towards the end of August. Initially, filming was to begin in May but was put on pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This will be the first blockbuster production to be filmed on the Maltese Islands since the pandemic. Malta Film Commissioner, Johann Grech, in making the announcement, emphasized that all necessary health measures are being taken in collaboration with the Maltese health authorities. Malta has one of the lowest rates of COVID-19 cases in Europe and is one of the safest countries to visit.

Colin Trevorrow, who was director of the first rebooted Jurassic World film in 2015, will return as director for the production of Jurassic World 3. Jeff Goldblum, Laura Dern, and Sam Neill, members of the original cast from the 1993 Jurassic Park film, will also return in the upcoming film. The trio will appear alongside Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard, stars of the 2015 film, Jurassic World and 2018’s Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.

The Maltese Islands – Malta, Gozo, and Comino – have been the location for many iconic Hollywood blockbusters such as Gladiator, U-571, The Count of Monte Cristo, Troy, Munich, World War Z, Captain Phillips, and of course, Popeye, which remains a huge tourist attraction in Malta. Game of Thrones fans will recognize the locations made famous in Season one, including the city of Mdina, St Dominic’s Convent in Rabat, and the Mtahleb cliffs. The Maltese Islands’ beautiful, unspoiled coastlines and breathtaking architecture have ‘doubled’ for an amazing variety of locations on the big and small screens. The Jurassic World production will include locations in the cities of Valletta, Vittoriosa, Mellieħa, and Pembroke. The film is expected to be released in cinemas in June 2021.

Safety Measures for Tourists

Malta has produced an online brochure, Malta, Sunny & Safe, which outlines all the safety measures and procedures that the Maltese government has put into place for all hotels, bars, restaurants, clubs, beaches based on social distancing and testing.

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. www.visitmalta.com

Filming in Malta: https://www.visitmalta.com/en/filming-in-malta

About Malta Film Commission

Malta’s history as a destination for film production goes back 92 years, during which our islands have played host to some of the most high-profile productions to shoot out of Hollywood. Gladiator (2000), Munich (2005), Assassin’s Creed (2016), and most recently Murder on the Orient Express (2017) have all come to the Maltese Islands for various scenic location shoots. The Malta Film Commission was set up in 2000 with the dual aim of supporting the local filmmaking community, while at the same time strengthening the film servicing sector. Over the past 17 years, the Film Commission’s efforts to support the local film industry resulted in various financing incentives, including a financing incentive program in 2005, the successful Malta Film Fund in 2008, and a Co-Production fund in 2014. Since 2013, the implementation of a new strategy has led to unprecedented growth in the local industry, with over 50 productions filmed in Malta resulting in more than €200 million in foreign direct investment being injected into Malta’s economy. Click on the following link: goo.gl/forms/3k2DQj6PLsJFNzvf1

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Malta Tourism Authority – North America

Michelle Buttigieg

P 212 213 0944

F 212 213 0938

MTA US/Canada Editorial Contact:

The Bradford Group

Amanda Benedetto/ Gabriela Reyes

Tel: (212) 447-0027

Fax: (212) 725 8253

Underwater Malta – The First Virtual Museum in the Mediterranean Showcasing 10 Underwater Archaeological Sites and Sunken Aircraft and Submarines Usually Seen Only by Divers

July 23, 2020 by PressEditor

Malta has just launched The Virtual Museum – Underwater Malta, the first of its kind in the Mediterranean. Three years in the making, this Virtual Museum is a new and innovative way for viewers to access underwater archaeological sites in Malta. The aim of the project was for people to see panoramic underwater views that are typically only viewable by diving down deep into the Mediterranean. Malta is already rated as one of the World’s top diving sites, and it is hoped that this Virtual Underwater Museum will attract even more divers to Malta.

The Underwater Malta project, featuring 10 sites to start with, is in collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), the University of Malta, and Heritage Malta. The Virtual Museum – Underwater Malta uses 3-D models, VR video, and photography, the result of five years collecting images and data that allow audiences to get the full underwater exploration experience.

The depths of the sites range from 2 meters (approx. 7 feet) to 110m. (approx. 361 feet) Although the initial launch features 10 sites, it is hoped another 10 will be added by the end of 2020 and even more in 2021. The 10 current sites explore shipwrecks, plane crashes, submarines, and more sites that are right off Malta’s coast. Sites featured include B24 Liberator, JU88, Phoenician Shipwreck, HMS Stubborn, Victorian Guns, Xlighter 127, Beaufighter, Schnellboot S-31, Fairey Swordfish, and HMS Maori.

Professor Tim Gambin, from the University of Malta, noted “the concept of the Museum highlights the importance of Malta’s heritage that can only be found underwater. What we see today is just the tip of the iceberg. There was intense research done behind this project using different media and technology to unveil the 10 sites online now.”

Malta Tourism Authority CEO Gavin Gulia noted that “this is a first, not just for Malta, but for the entire Mediterranean region. This Virtual Museum will also enrich our diving tourism.” Gulia noted that in 2019 there were over 100,000 tourists visiting Malta who took part in diving activities. “This Malta Underwater project will also make more of Malta’s cultural heritage accessible to all tourists, not just the divers,” added Gulia.

Safety Measures for Tourists

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. 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

MTA North America Editorial Contact

The Bradford Group

Gabriela Reyes/Amanda Benedetto

Tel: (212) 447-0027

Fax: (212) 725 8253

Malta Hosts Hot Music Festivals This summer

July 16, 2020 by PressEditor

This summer music fans will get the chance to bask in the Mediterranean sunshine as Malta plays host to four hot music festivals: Back In The Future, Escape 2 the Island, Rhythm and Waves, and BPM Festival. Malta is one of the few European countries to be able to safely open for large- scale music events this summer because it had one of the lowest rates of COVID- 19 cases in Europe. An archipelago in the Mediterranean, the Maltese islands enjoy 300 days of sun per year and present the perfect backdrop for these outdoor music festivals.

Back In The Future, a new two day festival weekend will bring carefree vibes and festival culture to Malta on August 29 and 30. Back In The Future attendees will see artists including Chase & Status (Jungle DJ Set), DJ EZ (performing a special Old Skool Garage set w/ MCs), Wiley, Goldie, Congo Natty, Ms. Dynamite, General Levy, and many more. The festival will take place across two of the Mediterranean’s most celebrated spaces, Gianpula Village and Uno Malta. Full Weekend Tickets and travel information for Back In The Future can be found at http://www.backinthefuture.live/.

Escape 2 the Island, organized by the promoter Bass Jam, will see artists including Aitch, AJ Tracey, Fredo, and Charlie Sloth at the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre, an indoor and outdoor events venue in the town of Attard, from August 28 to 30. The festival is organized together with the Malta Tourism Authority and Visit Malta. Tickets for the festival went on sale on Friday, July 3, priced from €99 ( or approx. $112 US Dollars) for general admission and €129 ( or approx. $146) for VIP. For more information, visit here.

Rhythm and Waves Festival will take place at the outdoor events arena Gianpula Village, with performances from Andy C, Chase and Status, Netsky, Subfocus, Shy FX, and Wilkinson on September 4 to 6. Tickets are priced from €119 ( or approx. $135) for general admission and €149 ( or approx. $169) for VIP and can be bought here.

The BPM Festival (which stands for Bartenders, Promoters, Musicians), will feature a lineup of the hottest underground DJs. The festival will be held in Malta from September 11 to 13 at Uno Malta. The line-up for the festival is yet to be announced, but fans can register now for pre-sale tickets and further information here.

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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 .

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Media Contacts:

Malta Tourism Authority

Michelle Buttigieg, Representative North America

Tel: (212) 213-0944

Fax: (212) 213-0938

MTA US Editorial Contact

The Bradford Group

Gabriela Reyes/Amanda Benedetto

Tel: (212) 447-0027

Fax: (212) 725 8253