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

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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. 

Valetta 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

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Malta Tourism Authority – North America 

Michelle Buttigieg, Representative

P 212 213 0944

F 212 213 0938

E-mail: [email protected] 

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: [email protected]

When in Malta, Immerse Yourself in the Culture and Cuisine

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There are many ways one can visit Malta, the hidden gem of the Mediterranean. while staying safe and comfortable during these uncertain times. Visitors can explore the archipelago’s sister islands of Malta, Gozo, and Comino by living like a local. Providing a more authentic Malta experience, one can rent historic farmhouses in Gozo or luxurious palazzos and villas in Malta. Friends, couples, or families traveling together are able to avoid the risks of sharing space with other guests. These private stays also provide guests with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in local culture and cuisine.

Gozo Farmhouses 

Gozo itself has retained a charming authenticity. Gozo is small compared to its sister island of Malta, with beautiful beaches and coves, world-class diving, historic sites, including the city of Vittoriosa and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ġgantija Temples. Everything is only a short drive away. Farm to table cuisine IS Gozo, either opting for shopping at the local markets for Gozatan specialties or enjoying the many neighborhood restaurants. There is a wide range of farmhouses, most with modern amenities, private pools and stunning views. For more information about Gozo farmhouses visit here. 

Private Chef Services

These farmhouse kitchens can be pre-stocked with wonderful fresh local ingredients or one can enjoy gourmet meals cooked by a private local chef. Menus are changed frequently according to season, availability, or the chef’s impulse. For more information, private chef services available in Gozo visit here. 

Malta

The Maltese islands are steeped in 7000 years of history. Valletta, the Capital, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an ideal place to rent a  luxurious palazzo, villa, or  apartment. Guests staying in one of these unique and often historical private accommodations, often with wonderful views,  can enjoy modern amenities and some even have private swimming pools, private gyms, and saunas.   The best way to get around and explore Valletta, the European Capital of Culture 2018, is on foot. Explore the many cultural sites, boutiques,  local restaurants, and get a taste of the thriving nightlife. For more information on villas in Malta, visit here. 

Mdina

Mdina, Malta’s first capital,  is an ancient walled city with a mix of medieval and baroque architecture. A timeless place with cultural and religious treasures everywhere, perfect for exploring by foot.   Perched on a hilltop, Mdina enjoys beautiful panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

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. 

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.

About Mdina

The town of Mdina, with its timeless character, has a history tracing back more than 4000 years. Tradition says that here in 60 A.D. that St. Paul the Apostle is said to have lived after being shipwrecked on the islands. The grotto known as Fuori le Mura, where he presumably resided, is now known as St. Paul’s Grotto in Rabat. Lamplit by night and referred to as “the silent city,” Mdina is fascinating to visit for its cultural and religious sites.

More news about Malta

#rebuildingtravel

MEDIA CONTACTS:

North America Contacts – 

Malta Tourism Authority

Michelle Buttigieg, Representative North America

Tel: (212) 213-0944 

Fax: (212) 213-0938 

E-mail: [email protected] 

MTA North American Editorial Contact –

The Bradford Group

Gabriela Reyes/Karen Hoffman

Tel: (212) 447-0027 

Fax: (212) 725 8253 

E-mail: [email protected]

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

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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

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. 

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]

Enjoy a Musical Tour of Valletta’s Historical Sites with Musicians of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra

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Amidst these trying times, Maltese artist, Stephanie Borg, has started an art therapy initiative for those of all ages, by creating free, downloadable coloring sheets that depict various scenes of Malta. “Coloring can be a mindful exercise that the whole family can take part in,” says Borg. She would also love for people to share their finished artwork by posting on instagram and facebook and tagging her. Other renowned Maltese artists were inspired by Stephanie Borg and have joined this art cause.  Stephanie Borg is a self-taught artist, graphic and surface pattern designer from Malta. She has lived in various countries which have enriched her love for color, pattern and texture. Since returning to Malta in 2008, Stephanie has depicted Maltese daily life and culture through her artwork. She blended her graphic design experience with her love for paper to create her own branding and packaging concepts.

Stephanie Borg’s Website – Here you can find all of Stephanie’s products and artwork available to be shipped worldwide; Share your artwork with Stephanie: Stephanie Borg Facebook

Stephanie Borg Instagram

Where Streets Have No Name, A Musical Tour of Valletta with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra

The Valletta Cultural Agency (VCA) is collaborating with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) with the support of Bank of Valletta (BOV) to produce multiple audiovisual music productions for people to unite (virtually) as a nation with the hopes of a brighter future ahead.

The goal of the orchestral arrangement by Aurelio Belli, “Where the Streets Have No Name”, is to enhance the reputation of Valletta and Malta, on an international level, as a travel destination booming with culture, amplifying the awareness of our unique culture and national heritage.

The purpose of the first of four audio visual music productions is to inspire those through music and spread messages of hope to those affected by the pandemic.

The song, “Where the Streets Have No Name” by U2, was selected to represent the once busy and bustling streets of Valletta, that are now empty and quiet.

These initiatives form part of a series of projects produced by the MPO, in collaboration with a number of  partners and entities.

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 – North America

Michelle Buttigieg

P 212 213 0944

F 212 213 0938

E-mail: [email protected]

MTA US/Canada Editorial Contact:

The Bradford Group

Amanda Benedetto/ Gabriela Reyes

Tel: (212) 447-0027

Fax: (212) 725 8253

E-mail: [email protected]

Did You Know That All These Films Were Shot in Malta?

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Discover the Maltese Islands when you Stay at Home and binge watch these iconic films and television shows shot on location in Malta.  The Mediterranean archipelago is known for its beautiful natural landscapes and stunning architecture perfect for a film location. While binge watching, you may notice some famous scenes in the first season of HBO’s Game of Thrones which were shot in Malta. Other iconic films shot in Malta on location include Gladiator, World War Z, Captain Phillips, By the Sea, and Count of Monte Cristo. 

UNESCO FILM SITES APP FEATURES VALLETTA

The University of Malta developed a new app that enables digital tourism of UNESCO film sites. The Movie Travel App provides an interactive experience that brings users closer to the audio-visual, artistic and cultural heritage of these places including locations of films shot in Malta. 

Valletta App Features Famous Movie Set Locations

  • Fort Saint Angelo and Birgu
  • Fort Saint Elmo
  • Grand Harbour 
  • The Streets of Valletta
  • The Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens

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 and a chance to step into the places where films shot in Malta are real. For more information on Malta, visit www.visitmalta.com .

#rebuildingtravel

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Malta Tourism Authority – North America 

Michelle Buttigieg

P 212 213 0944

F 212 213 0938

E-mail: [email protected]

MTA US/Canada Editorial Contact:

The Bradford Group

Amanda Benedetto/ Gabriela Reyes

Tel: (212) 447-0027

Fax: (212) 725 8253

E-mail: [email protected]