Malta Tourism Authority Marks World Tourism Day

The 27th of September marks the international celebration of World Tourism Day (WTD) and once again the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) organised a varied programme of activities to commemorate the day.

In line with the MTA’s ongoing bid to ever improve Malta’s tourism product, on the 25th of September Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Dr Mario De Marco inaugurated a new Tourist Information Office (TIO) in Mdina. This office will be operated in conjuction with the Mdina Local Council. The In Guardia re-enactors also took part in the programme by welcoming Dr De Marco to the opening of the TIO.

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  © 2009 MTA - Mario Galea

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  © 2009 MTA - Mario Galea

Two concerts were organised around WTD. The first one being held in Marsalforn on the 26th September with the participation of Miriam Christine Borg and Band and Traffic Daze Band; with the other taking place in Bugibba on the 27th with, the participation of the Allegri Sextet, Nafra and the UK based Deborah Bonham Band.

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  © 2009 MTA - Mario Galea

On Saturday, September 26, a Maltese Crafts exhbition was set up in Merchants Street. The Crafts exhibition played host to no less than 25 artisans, who not only had their crafts on display but a number of them where also working at their stalls. Some of the crafts represented were, honey production, ganutell and religious iconography. One could see the production of cane baskets, traditional Maltese lace, bead work and even silver filigree on site. To add to the colour in Valletta, a reenactment by the In Guardia Unit was held in Freedom Square.

In additon to this display of crafts, a competitive photographic exhibition by 16 photographers was inaugurated. A total of 50 photos, both in colour and monochrome where exhibited. Dr Mario de Marco presented trophies to the photographers placing 1st and 2nd in both categories.

Other commemorative events were welcome drinks offered by MTA personnel to tourists landing at Malta International Airport on the 27th, commemorative stickers and an environmental conscious marking of the day, with the planting of trees in conjunction with the 34U campaign in the environs of Rabat and Dingli. The mayors of the two respective Councils took part in the ceremony.