The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) has just hosted its first (of many, hopefully) academy for travel agents.  

30 travel agent partners from the UK and Ireland had the opportunity to attend a three-day on-island event packed with activities designed to help gain a better understanding of our islands.  

The main themes delved into throughout the academy included gastronomy, adventure, history and luxury.   

Mr Carlo Micallef, Deputy CEO and Chief Marketing Officer of the MTA stated that “throughout the pandemic when the tourism industry was often at a standstill, VisitMalta chose to take the opportunity to improve and further consolidate the strong bond with the travel agents.”  

“VisitMalta’s team in the United Kingdom are always on the lookout to create various opportunities through which trade partners can experience first-hand just how much there is more to explore when tourists choose to visit Malta and Gozo. I am sure that with this first edition being a success, more initiatives shall follow,” he continued. 

The three-day trip, which took place from the 1st to 4th April, was based at the five-star Malta Marriott Hotel & Spa in St. Julian’s.  

The attending agents had the opportunity to enjoy experiences and attend workshops on related to each theme.  

A main highlight for the agents was a trip to the Zafrana Boutique Winery, which focuses on creating wines that reflect the true characteristics of the grape and the agricultural heritage of the Maltese Islands.  

The trip also included a tour of the islands’ capital city, Valletta, heritage visits to the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples, and an experience at Tulliera, a rehabilitation project in Delimara offering a farm-to-fork and sustainable agritourism concept.  

“We were delighted to host our first academy for agents, which showcased some of the Mediterranean archipelago’s key selling points and new product offerings,” Natalie Swinburne, Trade Marketing Manager, UK & Ireland, added.  

“The importance of the trade has continued to strengthen, and the mega fam was a great opportunity to educate agents and encourage them to experience for themselves just some of our gastronomic, adventurous, historic and luxurious experiences, reinforcing what an ideal destination choice the Maltese Islands are for UK holidaymakers in search of an overseas break,” she concluded.