Malta – the natural business destination

Located at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, Malta is blessed with a cultural heritage second to none. Having been occupied at various times over the last 1,000 years by the Arabs, the Spanish, the French, and (for 150 years up to its independence in 1964) the British, it has a tradition of welcoming visitors, as well as an events culture which reflects its cosmopolitan past.

But, far from looking backwards, the island is poised on the brink of an economic boom. About to enter the Eurozone, it has invested €850 million of European grants in its roads and historic venues. This has been matched by private sector investment which    has    seen    some    13    five-star    hotels

                                                                           established on the island.

Malta   has   already   attracted  a  large  number

of high-prestige events including the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in the nation’s capital, Valetta, in November 2005. At this event some 3,000 senior politicians, their entourages and the media were welcomed to the island. Major brands have also been tempted to Malta, with L’Oreal, Nike, Pfizer, Thomas Cook, Sony and IBM hosting significant corporate events there in recent years. The island has a well-developed network of DMCs to assist the business event organiser plan their visit.

The opening of the 10,000 capacity MFCC in early 2007 has established Malta as a serious events destination, while those needing smaller or satellite facilities can choose from a range of hotel-based conference suites at locations like the Hilton Malta, InterContinental Malta and Corinthia San Gorg. For a uniquely historic experience, the business visitor may well like to investigate the wealth of Maltese castles, palazzos, forts, towers and restaurants available for functions.

Once the business day is over there are many ways to unwind. The Marsa Sports Club near Valetta boasts an 18-hole golf course, miniature golf, 18 tennis courts, plus squash courts, cricket grounds and a swimming pool. Most major hotels host a full range of gym, tennis and swimming facilities. And, of course, every variety of water-based sport is available, from sailing, paragliding, windsurfing, wakeboarding and water skiing to scuba diving, at the island’s numerous sandy beaches