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:
- Conventions Malta provides access to all sites
- Short Connecting flights from most European Hubs as well as Istanbul
- Ease of Communication – English Speaking
- Excellent infrastructure
- Short transfer times in Malta
- Temperate Mediterranean Climate
- Professional Service Providers
- Good Value for Time and Money
- European- a member of the EU
- Malta’s famous Hospitality
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
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.
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.
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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]
