February 2008issue #11

• Tourism Performance January to December 2007

  January to December 2007 registered a record number of inbound tourists estimated at 1,243,510, an increase of 10.6% or 119,275 tourists over the corresponding period a year ago. This growth was primarily attributable to an increase in holiday visits, mainly from the British, Scandinavian and Irish markets, 87.1% of all inbound tourists originated from EU Member States.

  More at: pr02.

• 19 winners at the Malta Tourism Authority STAR Awards

  On the 20th February, during the annual MTA STAR Awards ceremony held at the Corinthia San Gorg, 19 STARS were awarded for excellence in service or product, while the top nominees also received recognition. This lively event was enjoyed by all present, not least thanks to the hilarious sketches offered by ZOO.

  More at: pr12.

• 2007 breaks all time tourism records

  In a press conference held at the Hilton Hotel, the Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi, stated that 2007, “is a record year for tourism ever since the Industry was first established as a pillar of Maltese economy.”

  More at: pr16.

• First live webcam on visitmalta.com

  The Malta Tourism Authority announced the launch of the first in a network of webcams to be featured on its www.visitmalta.com website. The live image from the camera can be viewed at www.visitmalta.com/webcam

  More at: pr15.

• Launch of Tourism Career Awareness DVD

  On Wednesday 13th February, heads of schools, teachers and guidance teachers, and members from the Malta Tourism Authority and the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry for Tourism and Culture and Ministry of Education Mr Peter Portelli and Mr Frans Borg respectively, met at Sacred Heart School for the official launch of a Tourism Career Awareness DVD. This educational music DVD features Ira Losco who follows a tourist during his seven-day stay in Malta, identifying the various careers in the tourism industry. The aim is to highlight the myriad of careers available in the tourism industry, both directly and indirectly. This DVD will facilitate the role of teachers in relation to the dissemination of tourism employment related information amongst their students.

  More at: pr14.

• Grand Prix de Malte in Paris

  The Grand Prix de Malte stand at the Retromobile fair Paris. The Malta stand attracted more visitors than the opposite Marseille stand. With the exception of Tunisia all other Grand Prix are organized within France.

  More at: pr18.

• Gypsy Mambo - a night of Balkan brass

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  Februrary 1, Liquid Club was packed with revelers moving to the unmistakable beat of Balkan brass. The MTA sponsored the event.

  More at: pr09.

• Carnival in Nadur

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  More at: pr05.

Other news stories this month:

• Carnival in Bugibba

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  More at: pr07.

• Carnival in Valletta

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  More at: pr06.

• The People Make Your Country Shine

  Donna Gorrie lives in Meaford, Ontario Canada and travelled to Malta for the first time in 2007. Donna graduated in Travel and Tourism long ago, worked with the Ministry of Tourism for Ontario/Ministry of Economic, Trade and Commerce and more recently as the Chamber of Commerce Manager and Tourism Coordinator. She made time to write us a letter to share her impressions of her holiday stay. Here are some exerpts from her lovely letter.

  More at: pr17.

• Malta at Neckermann Polska

  Last year Neckermann Polska flew 136,471 tourists to Malta, which makes 11% increase comparing to 2006. The seats in charter flights were sold in 88% and Neckermann plans to increase this figure in 2008. Gross income for 2007 is 14.6 million PLN. Malta will be offered as a leisure and English language destination and excellent place for honeymoons.

  More at: pr04.

• Gozitan art in Germany

  Gozitan artists Christopher Camilleri (limestone sculptor from Xaghra) and Anthony Camilleri (painter from Nadur) will exhibit their works until March 2nd at art gallery “Hellhof”, a renowned and long-established venue for art lovers in the picturesque and well-off Kronberg region.

  More at: pr19.

• Powerboat P1 Announces Exciting New Calendar For 2008

  Friday 11th January 2008, London Boat Show, ExCeL: The Powerboat P1 World Championship has today announced the most exciting calendar in its history with the introduction of five new venues, including its inaugural Grand Prix in the Middle East and first ever French and Spanish Grands Prix of the Sea.

  More at: pr11.