M. Jean-Marc Rives, the French Ambassador to Malta pinning the medal on Dominic Micallef's lapel©2007 Mario Galea

French Ordre du Mérite awarded to Dominic Micallef

Dominic Micallef, Head of the History and Culture Segment at the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), has been made Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite of the French Republic. The honour was conferred on Mr Micallef by M. Jean-Marc Rives, the French Ambassador to Malta, during a ceremony held at his residence in Zebbug on Tuesday July 10, in the presence of the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Dr Francis Zammit Dimech.

©2007 Mario Galea

The French Ordre du Mérite, which was founded by President de Gaulle in 1963, is the second most prestigious distinction after the Légion d’honneur. It is awarded for special achievement in political, military or civil affairs. This honour was awarded to Mr Micallef for his contributions to the development of Franco-Maltese relations in the tourism and culture.

For over 11 years from 1991 to 2002 Dominic Micallef was Director of the NTOM/MTA Office in Paris. During this time the French market experienced a sharp increase of over 150%. In 2003 Mr Micallef was appointed Regional Director for Italy, France and Spain based in Milan.

In his speech M. Rives described Mr Micallef as the ‘pilgrim’ of Maltese tourism in France, as an excellent communicator, and as a dedicated promoter of Malta’s artistic, historical and cultural heritage.