For Immediate Release | Official News Wire for the Travel Industry

Where press releases are breaking news

“See” Malta Now, Travel Later

by

The Mediterranean archipelago of Malta is inviting people to virtually explore their culture and 7,000 years of rich history. Heritage Malta is Malta’s national agency for museums, conservation practice and cultural heritage. Heritage Malta has collaborated with Google to give people the unique opportunity to virtually visit several of the agency’s national museums and sites through the online platform Google Arts & Culture. 

Heritage Malta Virtual Tours

Heritage Malta currently has 25 sites available to virtually tour. This includes various museums, temples, forts, and archaeological sites. Malta is also home to three UNESCO Heritage sites that can be explored virtually: the city of Valletta, the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum and the Megalithic Temples.

Grandmaster’s Palace

  1. In the city of Valletta, one can view the Grandmaster’s Palace where today it seat’s the Office of the President of Malta. The Palace itself was one of the first buildings in the new city of Valletta founded by Grand Master Jean de Valette in 1566 a few months after the successful outcome of the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. The Palace Armoury is one of the world’s largest collections of arms and armor that is still housed in its original building. The website offers four online exhibits one can look through, photo galleries and two museum views as if one were standing inside the museum. 

Fort St Elmo

Also in Valletta, one can virtually visit Fort St. Elmo National War Museum. Artifacts are displayed in chronological order, commencing from the early phases of the Bronze Age around 2,500 B.C. Two halls are dedicated to Malta’s important role in WWI, the Inter-War Period and Malta’s historical role in the Second World War where the Gloster Sea Gladiator N5520 FAITH, Roosevelt’s Jeep ‘Husky’ and Malta award for gallantry, the George Cross are displayed. This site includes one online exhibit, a photo gallery and 10 museum views that viewers can explore. 

Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

  1. Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is located in Raħal Ġdid. This Hypogeum is a rock-cut underground complex that was used both as a sanctuary as well as for burial purposes by the temple builders. It was discovered during construction in 1902. There are three underground levels that date from around 3600 to 2400 BC. There is one online exhibit unveiling an underground prehistoric cemetery, a photo gallery and one museum view. 

Ġgantija Temples

  1. There are seven Megalithic Temples found on the islands of Gozo and Malta, each a result of individual development. Five out of the seven can be virtually visited. The Ġgantija Temples in Xagħra, Gozo are the oldest, free-standing monuments in the world and are a testament to the Island’s inhabitation for at least 1,000 years before the famous Egyptian pyramids of Giza were constructed. On the website viewers can look at one online exhibit, a photo gallery and three museum views. 

Joseph Calleja Video

Musicians and singers in Malta are following suit in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and sharing their performances online for all to appreciate. Malta’s tenor, Joseph Calleja asked his fans to request songs and arias they would like to hear him sing on his Facebook page. 

Heritage Malta Spring Equinox Live Stream

Heritage Malta is also known for organizing yearly events for the public to witness the Spring equinox and this year it was canceled due to COVID-19. Instead, they live-streamed the event on their Facebook page so no one would miss out! The event marks the special relationship between the temples and the seasons. As the first rays of the sun projected themselves through the main doorway of the southern Mnajdra temples, viewers were able to witness the spring equinox online. 

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

E-mail: michelle-margaret.buttigieg@visitmalta.com

MTA US/Canada Editorial Contact:

The Bradford Group

Amanda Benedetto/ Gabriela Reyes

Tel: (212) 447-0027

Fax: (212) 725 8253

E-mail: info@bradfordglobalmarketing.com

—

Gabriela Reyes

Account Manager 

The Bradford Group

347 Fifth Ave. Suite 1205

New York, New York 10016

T (212) 447-0027

F (212) 725-8253

gabrielar@bradfordglobalmarketing.com

www.bradfordglobalmarketing.com

MTA Welcomes Launch of Malta Michelin Guide and Announcement of First Michelin Stars on the Island

by

Today, Michelin launched the first Malta Michelin Guide and announced the winners of the first Michelin stars on the island. The new Michelin Guide highlights the outstanding restaurants, breadth of cuisine styles and culinary skills found in Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Established in the late 19th century, Michelin has maintained its benchmark of international food for more than 120 years, recognizing some of the greatest cuisines in the world. 

Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta is establishing itself as a gastronomic destination that serves up a wide range of dishes influenced by the many civilizations that made the Maltese archipelago their home. In a bid to embrace the long-standing and diverse culinary history of these Islands, the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) has been championing local, sustainable gastronomy that tips its hat to traditional methods within the context of a modern and buzzing restaurant scene. 

The winners of the first stars to be awarded in Malta are: 

• De Mondion – Chef Kevin Bonello 

• Noni – Chef Jonathan Brincat 

• Under Grain – Chef Victor Borg 

Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection Julia Farrugia Portelli said: “The award of the first Michelin stars to Maltese restaurants is another achievement for Malta that is very much in line with the Government’s objective of attracting higher spending tourism in the years to come. Gastronomy has become an important component of the type of experience that independent traveler of today seeks in a destination.” 

The Chairman of the Malta Tourism Authority, Dr. Gavin Gulia, added: ‘The MTA welcomes this first edition of the Malta Michelin Guide which signifies a coming of age of our quality restaurants. Eating out is a major component of any holiday experience, and with the growing interest in all things related to food, it is becoming increasingly important for Malta to maintain a high standard in its gastronomic offer. Having the first Michelin star establishments on the Island is definitely a step in the right direction.” 

International Director of the Michelin guides Gwendal Pullennec expressed his excitement to launch the first Maltese section, saying, ‘The Maltese culinary scene has talents that are worthy of discovery by foodies from around the world. In the center of the Mediterranean, Malta is a very attractive cultural destination with a unique cuisine style which beautifully combines European influences and local traditions.” 

To view the full selection of restaurants named in the Malta Michelin Guide online, please visit: http://guide.michelin.com 

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.

Malta Tourism Authority – North America 

Michelle Buttigieg

P 212 213 0944

F 212 213 0938

E-mail: michelle-margaret.buttigieg@visitmalta.com

MTA US/Canada Editorial Contact:

The Bradford Group

Amanda Benedetto/ Gabriela Reyes

Tel: (212) 447-0027

Fax: (212) 725 8253

E-mail: info@bradfordglobalmarketing.com

Malta Tourism Authority North America Takes Home Silver Travvy Award for Best European Destination

by

The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) has won the silver award for “Best European Destination” at the Annual Travvy Awards which are held by travAlliancemedia at a Gala Awards night in New York City, on February 12, 2020. 

The 2020 Travvy Awards recognizes the highest standards of excellence in the Industry today and honors travel companies, travel products, travel agencies, travel executives, travel agents, and destinations for their outstanding achievement. Now in their 6th year, the Travvy Awards have quickly earned their reputation as the Academy Awards of the travel industry.

The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), through a myriad of marketing efforts, continues to be proactive in the US market since it reestablished its presence in 2014. Led by Michelle Buttigieg, MTA representative for North America, MTA has expanded the number of tour operators that include Malta in their itineraries as well as increased the number of nights spent in Malta on these programs. Tourism from the US market alone has doubled in the past six years to a total of 50,525 tourists. This travel industry push, combined with targeting the US media by promoting Malta in all its diversity, continues to yield excellent results.

Carlo Micallef, Deputy CEO and Marketing Director, Malta Tourism Authority, stated “the MTA is extremely pleased to receive such a coveted award in the competitive American market. These awards show that Malta continues to expand its impact in the travel agent community by promoting the diverse appeal of the Maltese Islands. It also reflects MTA’s commitment to travel agent training has resulted in 4,471 Malta Specialists to date.  It is also worth noting that Malta’s luxury product has grown enormously in the last few years and this has particular appeal to American travelers who spend 40% more than the per capita average registered overall.”

Michelle Buttigieg added that “the MTA continues to expand and strengthen its marketing and public relations efforts being carried out in the American market, as well as continue to work with and support tour operator partners so as to ensure increased tour operator promotion and sales. Toward that end we are particularly pleased to be hosting for the first time, the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) out of country board meeting in April.” Buttigieg added, “this year Conventions Malta will strengthen its push in the MICE market.”

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

E-mail: michelle-margaret.buttigieg@visitmalta.com

MTA US/Canada Editorial Contact:

The Bradford Group

Amanda Benedetto/ Gabriela Reyes

Tel:  (212) 447-0027

Fax:  (212) 725 8253

E-mail: info@bradfordglobalmarketing.com

Spring on The Mediterranean Islands of Malta Offers a Feast of Festivals and Events

by

While the sun shines all year round in Malta, the Spring season is one of the best times to visit this hidden gem of the Mediterranean. One of the endless highlights of the Maltese Islands at this time are the many diverse and colorful festivals and events, ranging from the spectacular International Fireworks Festival to music festivals and scenic marathons.

Malta International Fireworks Festival

While visiting Malta, visitors will not want to miss the opportunity to witness this amazing fireworks spectacle that takes place from April 18-30, 2020. Each night, fireworks designed by local and foreign companies compete for Pyromusical awards. Accompanied by music, the fireworks take place in three venues, Valletta’s Grand Harbour, Marsaxlokk, and Gozo, providing a lively and colorful display in the Maltese skies. For a prime view, stand near the Grand Harbor Hotel, Upper Barrakka Gardens and the Barriera Wharf area in Valletta.

Valletta Concours D’Elegance

Malta is well known internationally for its local collection of Classic and Vintage cars. Car aficionados will enjoy this unique event that showcases exquisite classic and vintage cars from both local collectors as well as those from all over the world. The Valletta Concours d’Elegance takes place Valletta’s historic St. George’s Square on May 31.  

Marathons

For active visitors, marathons are a great way to get a workout in while being rewarded with the scenic landscape of the beautiful Maltese Islands. 

  • Malta Marathon – this yearly event happening on March 1, 2020, is perfect for avid runners who will race through towns from Mdina to Sliema, there is also a half marathon and walkathon for a more laid back option.
  • Gozo Half Marathon – On April 25-26, 2020, take part in Malta’s oldest road race and discover the natural beauty of the island of Gozo.

Enjoy Music in Malta

Malta’s medley of music festivals will appeal to guests of all ages and music tastes.  

  • Lost & Found Festival – April 30 – May 3, 2020, enjoy a pre-summer party on the sunny island of Malta including an electronic dance lineup. 
  • Earth Garden – June 4 – June 7, 2020 kickoff summer with a 4-day music festival at the National Park offering a variety of genres over six music stages. 
  • GĦANAFEST – June 6 – June 13, 2020 experience traditional Maltese folk music from both local and international artists that the whole family can enjoy.

For more information about spring events in Malta, please see visitmalta.com

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.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.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Malta Tourism Authority North America

Michelle Buttigieg

Tel: (212) 213-0944

E-mail: michelle-margaret.buttigieg@visitmalta.com

MTA US/Canada Editorial Contact

The Bradford Group

Amanda Benedetto/ Gabriela Reyes

Tel: (212) 447-0027

Fax: (212) 725 8253

E-mail: info@bradfordglobalmarketing.com

Carnival in the Mediterranean? Celebrate Karnival Ta’Malta in Malta and its Sister Island of Gozo

by

Carnival is one of the oldest historical festivals in both Malta and Gozo, with five centuries of credited and documented history dating back to the Knights’ of St John’s occupancy in Malta. This year Carnival Week in Malta takes place on February 21-25, 2020. This five–day celebration is undoubtedly one of the most colorful events in the Maltese and Gozitan calendars. Traditionally preceding Christian Lent, Carnival provides five days of revelry with Carnival-goers dressing up in colorful costumes and covering their faces with masks.

The heart of the action takes place in Valletta, Malta’s capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the European Capital of Culture 2018. The excitement starts with a procession of extravagantly colored floats and enhanced by the many children running around in fancy costumes. The celebrations continue in Malta’s main nightlife center, Paceville, catching the late-night Carnival-goers who pile into the clubs and bars, still wearing their outrageous outfits. 

However, visitors should not miss the colorful celebrations that take place in various towns and villages across the Islands, each having their own version of festivities. For a particular interpretation, Carnival goers can visit Nadur, Gozo, where Carnival takes on a more macabre and funny mood.

Carnival is closely associated with Maltese folklore. It has been celebrated in Malta since the arrival of the Knights of St. John in 1530, and some studies date the first Carnival revelry back as early as 1470. Up until 1751, Carnival was an activity exclusive to Valletta, but that is certainly not true today.

For more information 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 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.  More news about Malta.

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.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Malta Tourism Authority North America

Michelle Buttigieg

Tel: (212) 213-0944

E-mail: michelle-margaret.buttigieg@visitmalta.com

MTA US Editorial Contact

The Bradford Group

Amanda Benedetto/ Gabriela Reyes

Tel: (212) 447-0027

Fax: (212) 725 8253

E-mail: info@bradfordglobalmarketing.com

Malta: A history lover’s paradise

by

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 malta@brightergroup.com or 020 73269880

Malta ranked No.1 European LGBTQ+ travel destination

by

ILGA-Europe has announced that Malta has been ranked the number one travel destination on the Europe Rainbow Index 2019 for the fourth year running.

Out of a total of 49 European countries, Malta has been awarded an outstanding 90% in recognition of the laws, policies and lifestyles of the LGBTQ community on the Mediterranean island.

First launched in 2009, the European Rainbow Index monitors both the positive and negative impacts on the LGBTQ community and considers a wide range of factors including legal gender recognition, family and marital issues and rights to asylum. Each European country holds a position on the scale; 100% being the most accurate of respect for human rights and full equality in society, and 0% showing gross violation and discrimination.

2017 saw same sex marriage legalised in Malta, as well as the introduction of gender-neutral passports in 2018. The latter followed Parliament’s approval of the Gender Identity Act in 2015 and ensures people are able to have the gender they identify with officially recognised by the State.

Malta is proud of this recognition and has firmly positioned itself as a vibrant and welcoming destination for all. LGBTQ travel is always a strong focus for the country, and Malta has hosted LGBTQ festivals as well as sponsored and supported Pride both on the island and overseas.

Peter Vella, director UK & Ireland Malta Tourism Authority, said: “Malta has once again been showcased as the number one destination for LGBTQ travellers in Europe. The Maltese have a reputation for kindness and excellent hospitality, and this is absolutely reflected in how they welcome all travellers to the island, including the LGBTQ market. Malta holds a unique combination of traditional and historical culture with a contemporary and welcoming mindset towards LGBTQ travellers and our people continue to set an impressive example for other European countries to follow.”

Media Contact: Georgia Gogarty, Assistant Account Executive, The Brighter Group, Finn Partners, T: +44 (0)20 3917 5224

Christophe Berger Named Director of Conventions Malta

by

Christophe Berger, newly appointed Director of Conventions Malta, brings with him extensive experience in the Hospitality and M.I.C.E. market sectors. As Malta’s tourism has been on a tremendous growth path, especially from the North American market, it is also gaining considerable momentum as a popular M.I.C.E. market destination.

According to Berger, “Malta’s tourism industry has enjoyed great success in recent years, and Malta is now striving to boost this success even further by expanding the international appeal of its incomparable M.I.C.E. product, with spectacular settings at competitive prices.”

Malta, with its 7000 years of history and steeped in historic event venues, is a M.I.C.E. planner’s paradise. This Mediterranean archipelago offers a diverse number of magnificent castles, palazzos and forts to choose from. Other unique settings include theme parks, village squares, luxury yachts and exclusive sea-front facilities.
Malta’s multitude of conference hotels or venues can accommodate any size event. This includes the iconic 16th century building, once considered the most advanced hospital in Europe, which is now the state-of-the-art Mediterranean Conference Center.

Berger noted that what adds to the “wow” factor for the M.I.C.E market, and tourism in general, is that “Malta has become one of Europe’s most popular film and television locations – dubbed the Mediterranean’s mini-Hollywood by the London Times.” Malta, where Game of Thrones all began, is also home to many blockbuster film locations including Troy, Gladiator, World War Z, Assassin’s Creed, The Count of Monte Cristo and Murder on the Orient Express.

Born in France, Berger moved to Malta 20 years ago, where he has been working in various sectors of the hospitality and tourism industry. His professional background stems from hotel management and in Malta has held positions at the Grand Hotel Mercure Selmun Palace and at Intercontinental Malta as part of the M.I.C.E team, with responsibilities for overseas marketing the hotel and Malta as a destination. Berger also furthered his M.I.C.E experience while specializing in M.I.C.E. on behalf of a Maltese Destination Management Company (DMC).

Berger, together with Michelle Buttigieg, Malta Tourism Authority Representative in North America, will be heading a public/private sector M.I.C.E. delegation from Malta to IMEX Las Vegas September 9-12, 2019.

For more information about planning Meetings and Incentive events in Malta visit www.conventionsmalta.com

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. www.visitmalta.com

For Further Information and Photography

Malta Tourism Authority:

Michelle Buttigieg

Tel: (212) 213-0944

Fax: (212) 213-0938

E-mail: michelle-margaret.buttigieg@visitmalta.com

MTA US Editorial Contact:

The Bradford Group

Karen Hoffman/ Bianca Pappas

Tel: (212) 447-0027

Fax: (212) 725 8253

E-mail: info@bradfordglobalmarketing.com

2019 Billboard Music Awards Winner and Headliner at ISLE of MTV Malta 2019

by

MTV’s annual open-air summer music festival – ISLE of MTV Malta – is back and 2019 Billboard Music Award winner and Grammy nominated singer, songwriter and record producer, Bebe Rexha, has been named a headliner. A few of the superstar’s top hits that fans can get excited to sing their hearts out to will include, “Last Hurrah,” “Meant to Be,” and “I’m a Mess.” Her latest album was so successful, it brought her to the number 13 spot on Billboard’s 200 chart. Bebe’s collaboration with Florida Georgia Line on the song “Meant to be” just won Top Country Song at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards. MTV’s partnership with the Malta Tourism Authority will be returning to the sun-lit island for what is now its 13th consecutive year.

The Isle of MTV Malta is one of Europe’s largest free live music festivals, which attracts thousands of visitors every year and even more watching on MTV at home. The Isle of MTV will be held on July 9, 2019, during Malta Music Week which runs through July 13th.

Martin Garrix is no novice to the festival scene. He has performed at music festivals such as Coachella and Tomorrowland and became the youngest DJ to headline Ultra Music Festival at the age of 17. Ranked number one on DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs list for three consecutive years (2016, 2017, and 2018), Garrix will be sure to perform his top hits such as, “Animals,” and “Scared to be Lonely.” Since Bebe Rexha is headlining this year’s festival as well, fans can be hopeful for a joint performance of Rexha and Garrix’s top single “In the Name of Love.”

Isle of MTV Malta will be filmed and edited into a 60-minute special that will broadcast across 20 MTV channels throughout Europe. The show will also be supported across all MTV social media platforms as well as via a bespoke website. As part of an extensive integrated marketing campaign, the Isle of MTV Malta concert will be supported by marketing initiatives, all of which will drive awareness of the event as well as leverage MTV’s world renowned brand and unique youth insight, to further cement and promote Malta’s position as a holiday destination for young people. Over the 12 years that Isle of MTV has been held in Malta, the number of millennial visitors to the island has increased.

According to Michelle Buttigieg, MTA North American Representative, “the Isle of MTV Malta is fast becoming a huge draw for millennials from the US & Canada. This year especially, with headliner 2019 Billboard Winner and New York native, Bebe Rexha, the festival will attract even more North Americans.  

For more information, visit: www.visitmalta.com, http://www.visitmalta.com/en/isle-of-mtv

Media Contacts:

Malta Tourism Authority

Michelle Buttigieg

Tel: (212) 213-0944

Fax: (212) 213-0938

E-mail: michelle-margaret.buttigieg@visitmalta.com

MTA US Editorial Contact

The Bradford Group

Karen Hoffman/ Bianca Pappas

Tel: (212) 447-0027

Fax: (212) 725 8253

E-mail: info@bradfordglobalmarketing.com

IGLTA honors ITB Berlin for its commitment to LGBT+ travel segment

by

The reward for promoting awareness and acceptance of the LGBT+ Community in the global tourism industry: at the Annual Global Convention, which will take place from 24 to 27 April at the Hilton Midtown New York City, the International LGBT+ Travel Association (IGLTA) will present ITB Berlin with the Vanguard Award.

Every year, together with the IGLTA Foundation (www.iglta.org/The-IGLTA-Foundation), the public charity subsidiary of the IGLTA, the directors’ board presents the IGLTA Honors. The recipients are individuals, companies or organizations who have improved relations within the tourism community and raised awareness of LGBT+ travel around the world. The LGBT Travel Pavilion of ITB Berlin celebrated its debut back in 2010, and since then has become a highly-regarded role model for the presentation of the gay and lesbian travel segment at an international travel show. In addition to the extensive display area with its own conference venue, supporting events such as the LGBT+ Media Brunch, networking events, informative lectures, the LGBT+ ITB Convention Seminar – which since 2 years also includes the bestowal of an ITB Pioneer Award -, and, as of this year the International LGBT+ Leadership Summit, attract many visitors.

ITB’s commitment has made it possible to also position this segment at ITB Asia in Singapore and organize international ITB Academies on this topic as recently in Malta and Japan.

”ITB Berlin is proud to occupy a pioneering role in this important subject, and to be the recipient of such a prestigious award for its continuing efforts to promote international recognition of LGBT+ travel“, said Rika Jean-François, CSR officer of ITB Berlin and responsible for this segment. ”What began as a few community pioneers exhibiting here and there around ITB Berlin has over the years become a recognized platform. Together with our partner Diversity Tourism we have created a globally unique forum.“

”We have got to the point now where at ITB Berlin we have created one of the liveliest and most diverse LGBT+ Travel Pavilions possible, with exhibitors and people taking part in discussion rounds from around the world“, is how Thomas Bömkes, LGBT+ consultant for ITB Berlin and Managing Director of Diversity Tourism GmbH described this market’s rising prospects. Rika Jean-François added: ”This award will give us the strength to continue defending LGBT+ travelers against discrimination in every country in the world and to ensure that they, just like any other travelers, can visit places where also local people are respected regardless of their sexual orientation.” Thomas Bömkes pointed out, that the economic potential of this travel market cannot be underestimated: “Studies have shown that accepting diversity can contribute significantly to a destination’s economic success.“

LGBT tourism has been represented at ITB Berlin since the Nineties. As a result of ITB Berlin’s CSR policy which promotes diversity and defends human rights in tourism and due to the keen interest expressed by exhibitors and visitors, Gay & Lesbian Travel was officially declared a segment in its own right at ITB Berlin 2010. Openness, creativity and lively interaction are the dominant features of this segment that has become one of the most wide-ranging at ITB Berlin. The LGBT Travel Pavilion currently boasts the world’s largest display of products for the gay and lesbian travel market of any trade show in the world.

Travel News | eTurboNews