Malta, an archipelago in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast, is positioning itself as a fresh incentive destination, as well as a dual-city proposition with major European cities, for potential Asia-Pacific groups.
In an interview with TTGmice, Francesca Camilleri, executive, Conventions Malta, Malta Tourism Authority said the region was an “unexplored market” for the bureau.
She believes that a teambuilding or incentive trip to Malta could be designed as an extension of a conference in Paris or Amsterdam.
“It’s easier to convert these sort of trips, as opposed to asking Asia-Pacific conference groups to hold events in Malta,” Camilleri said.
Malta Tourism Authority had earlier engaged with regional planners at ITB Asia in 2019.
When asked if any regional groups have materialised since, Camilleri said: “There was one confirmed group from Indonesia that was supposed to come to Malta in 2020, but the pandemic happened. (This time at ITB Asia 2022), we met the organiser again, and she is interested to hold an event in Malta for 2023! This is very encouraging.”
Camilleri hopes to welcome corporate groups from Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Malaysia in the near future, with 20 to 35 people in attendance.
She suggested that incentive groups visit Malta’s archaeological sites, temples and UNESCO-listed capital city Valletta, as well as indulge in water-based activities such as diving.
“English is one of our main languages, Malta uses euro, and it is part of the Schengen Area. We are a safe location for incentive groups,” Camilleri stressed.
Malta is home to five convention centres. The largest venue, the Mediterranean Conference Centre, previously hosted the Samsung Forum 2020 which had 3,000 delegates from all around the globe.
From international hotel chains to boutique properties, the islands offer over 11,700 rooms, ensuring that groups will have no trouble finding accommodation.
“Museums and spaces like the Upper Barrakka Gardens and even a town square can be closed off for corporate events. We are extremely flexible in allowing private events to take place all across the city,” she added.
Although Malta stands as an enticing destination, Camilleri acknowledged that the road ahead would be challenging, for corporates would need sizeable budgets to travel to Malta due to the lack of direct flights from Asia-Pacific.
