January/February 2009issue #019

• ‘A slice of football history’ exhibition inaugurated

  The official opening of this unique football exhibition by Sheffield United FC (SUFC) and Ferencvaros, took place at the Auberge d’Italie on Wednesday 4th February. The Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Hon. Dr Mario de Marco inaugurated the exhibition.

  More at: pr20.

• Malta resilient enough to face challenging times ahead

  The Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Hon. Dr Mario de Marco said that Malta’s tourism figures for 2008, as a total, which showed an increase of 3.8 per cent over 2007 (+47,346) in departing tourists and an increase of 2.2 per cent over 2997 in total nights spent by tourists (+245,033) was an achievement for the local tourism industry. “Together we have performed to very high levels, sustaining the Maltese economy notwithstanding the difficult international economic and financial scenario we are facing.”

  More at: pr14.

• Malta Tourism Authority Launches €4 million EU Funded Training and Research Programme

  Following successful submission of project proposal ESF 2.11 “Developing Leaders for Change and Innovation in Tourism”, the Malta Tourism Authority will be launching a €4 million EU-funded training and research project commencing in 2009.

  More at: pr21.

• Overall positive customer satisfaction levels for summer 2008

  Tourist satisfaction ratings are based on data collected from the Malta Tourism Authority’s Market Profile Survey during the months of July to September 2008 so as to capture the Summer season.

  More at: pr4.

• Ferencvaros in Malta for a week long training camp

  Ferencvaros, or ‘Fradi’ as they are affectionately known to their vast support, are probably the most famous club in Hungary. They have won the top League and the National Cup more times than any other Hungarian club and in the 1964/65 season they proudly lifted the old European Fairs Cup and they have agreed to bring their prized copy of this famous trophy with them when they visit Malta. The club is currently top of the Hungarian Second Division and managed by ex Sheffield United, Derby County and Leeds United striker Bobby Davison.

  More at: pr15.

• 18 Destination Management Companies awarded Quality Seal

  In an award ceremony held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, 18 Destination Management Companies (DMCs), businesses that offer a complete package for the meetings, incentives, conferences and events market, were awarded the new Malta Tourism Authority Quality Assured seal.

  More at: pr12.

Other news stories this month:

• Cruiseliner passenger success vindicates Government’s investment and commitment in this sector over the years

  The Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Hon. Dr Mario de Marco, said that the record number of cruise passengers visiting Malta in 2008 (555,840) – representing an increase of almost 14 per cent on 2007 (67,670 more passengers)– is an important landmark achieved with the hard work of all stakeholders concerned. This augurs well for 2009, notwithstanding the difficulties and challenges being faced by the tourism sector the world over.

  More at: pr10.

• Malta gains new routes and increases seat capacity

  Following extensive discussion between the Malta Tourism Authority, Government and various airlines, Malta has succeeded in gaining new routes and increased seat capacity. This has been achieved both through negotiations with foreign airlines and co-operation with the national carrier, Air Malta.

  More at: pr2.

• History channel to cover the Great Siege

  High Noon Production of Colorado USA was in Malta between January 4 – 11 in order to shoot a documentary on various aspects of the Great Siege of 1565. The Malta Tourism Authority provided a group of 9 re-enactors who usually take part in the In Guardia Parade to carry out some of the scenes.

  More at: pr5.

• Malta feature in Newsweek Davos Edition

  The Newsweek Davos Edition with Barak Obama gracing its cover will be on news stands all over the world for 3 months. The Malta feature is a 7 page advertorial with the title "Malta: wind in its sails" covering lifestyle, economy and tourism.

  More at: pr7.

• TV series ‘L-Impjegati’

  Filming of the TV series l-Impjegati is currently taking place in various tourism establishments including hotels, catering establishments, travel agencies, English Language Schools, airline industry, leisure establishments, tour guides and DMCs and also educational institutions including the Institute of Tourism Studies and the University of Malta.

  More at: pr16.

• Investing in sustainability - a wise option for the benefits of the tourism industry

  The Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Hon. Mario de Marco said that the Government’s goal is to ensure that tourism operators continue to achieve price competitiveness by integrating investment that provides the opportunity to reduce on cost cutting elements and by addressing the need to change from old ways of doing business to ones based on cooperation with partners who provide the best service to the industry, at all times.

  More at: pr8.