ITTN’s Katie Doyle recently joined Visit Malta as they celebrated with the Irish travel trade and media in an exclusive dinner hosted in Ely Wine Bar.
The night began with a wine reception, with representatives from Aer Lingus, travel agencies like Paul Hackett and Brian Nolan from ClickandGo Holidays, Shane Coburn from the Holiday Shop, Ciara Mooney from Freedom Travel and others alongside media partners.
Tolene Van Der Merwe, Director of Tourism for the UK and Ireland at Malta Tourism Authority, thanked Irish trade and media partners, pointing out the growing markets that continue to attract tourists year on year. Latest figures from the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) show that the Mediterranean island nation welcomed 210,305 inbound tourists over January and February of this year. That was a monthly record haul, and around 41,000 more visitors than during the first two months of 2024. Total guest nights reached 1,237,182, up by 21.8%, while tourist expenditure surged to €146.8 million, representing a 28.2% rise. Average length of stay stood at 5.9 nights, and per capita expenditure increased from €676 to €698.
Malta is becoming an evolving destination, that offers new and exciting opportunities alongside their sun resorts and gorgeous towns and villages. Tolene tells us that tourists are seeking out something different in historical, dark and faith-led tourism that hasattracted niche travellers to the island in recent years.
Tolene also welcomed Fiona-Jayne Formosa, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Malta to Ireland who thanked the ongoing support of the travel trade. She tell us strategic air connectivity developments have significantly contributed to the outstanding results mentioned by Tolene. Malta is now connected to seven airports in Poland, all offering significantly more capacity compared to the same period last year. Additionally, the introduction of Aer Lingus operating flights from Dublin, has made Malta a more accessible attraction and they have seen significant growth in the Irish tourist footfall.
Travel trade and media partners enjoyed a brilliant night celebrating Malta, guests could choose from a selection of delicious starters including beef tartare buratta cremosa, chicken croquettes or Iberico pork cheek with a divine selection of mains including rib-eye steak, stuffed cod, a beef burger and a vegan roasted cauliflower option with hand-cut chips, ratta potatoes and salad to share. To finish of the evening, guests enjoyed chocolate and hazelnut mousse, choux crakelin and cheese plates.
Malta continues to inspire, delight and educate Irish holidaymakers and we’re excited to see the new opportunities the summer months bring!
