Popular Belgian reality TV show filmed in Malta

Between the 9th and the 13th of October, Mercator, a popular Belgian reality TV game show was being filmed in Malta. The production is aired on ÉÉN, the Flemish equivalent to TVM in Malta, which station boasts viewer ship of 45% of the market. The show was such a success that RTBF, the Public broadcaster for the French speaking part of Belgium, decided to broadcast the show as well.

Mercator travels in the wake of an old sea trade route and the participants and crew of Mercator sail to their destinations in a tall ship. The competitive game revolves around two quizzes; one is a ‘citygame’, which gives the host countries they stop in along the way, an opportunity to highlight their history and culture. The other game is a 'tradegame', based on the local traditions and/or products. This year the producers of Mercator chose the Mediterranean as the trade route to follow.

Through the efforts of the History and Culture segment at the Malta Tourism Authority in Malta and the Authority's overseas representative for the Benelux markets, the producers chose Malta for their programme. This led to the filming of an edition on our shores, based in Valletta. The programme they followed and all the logistics related to the visit where taken care of by the MTA’s Hospitality Division.