The Maltese islands have long been a favourite among business and leisure travellers, with several FTSE 100 companies choosing Malta time and again for their events and conferences. But 2017 proved Malta’s star is continuing to rise as the island welcomed a record- breaking 2.3 million visitors.

Business travellers also reaffirmed their confidence in Malta with a 17% increase in traffic. Double that if you take into consideration the number of visitors who attended meetings in conjunction with Malta’s EU Presidency in the first half of the year.

The island is looking to maintain the momentum with further investment in tourist infrastructure bolstered by a strong and upbeat economy. Looking more glorious than ever after years of extensive regeneration, the capital city Valletta will be the focal point of the island’s attention this year as the reigning European Capital of Culture. Numerous palazzos and grand old to wn houses arebeing converted into elegant, statement boutique hotels perfect for small incentivesor discreet board meetings. They will soon be complemented by the city’s rst four-star hotel, which will have 82 rooms.

Just outside Valletta, the ve-star Phoenicia Hotel has reopened following a two-year refurbishment project throughout the entire property, including its famous landscaped gardens. Nearby, the five-star Grand Hotel Excelsior has already established itself as a favourite with countless celebrities including Isle of MTV music stars. The hotels are just a few minutes away from Malta’s largest conference venue the Mediterranean Conference Centre (MCC). Originally built as the hospital of the Knights of the Order of St John, the 16th century building has hosted headline events, such as the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and the Valletta Summit on Migration.

The MCC is one of ve convention centres alongside 12 ve-star conference hotels and 44 four-star hotels with a combined total of over 23,000 beds. Many are clustered within walking distance of each other thus facilitating the accommodation of large groups across neighbouring properties.

From summits to gala dinners, creative team-building activities to rewarding incentives, it’s all in the hands of Malta’s expert team of “Quality Assured” destination management companies. Between them they have built a reputation for award winning events, managing anything from top level VIP meetings to full-scale celebrations for thousands of guests.

It is this flexibility and professionalism that keeps bringing MICE visitors back to Malta who enjoy daily flights from all European hubs and competitive prices for unparalleled service. All in a language they understand. See you there.