Malta & Gozo Supplement 2011

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All about

Malta & Gozo June 2011

Your one stop guide to all the latest news and developments in Malta & Gozo

Produced by

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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All About

Malta & Gozo

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O

ver recent years, the weak pound against the euro has made the temptation to holiday outside the eurozone a hard one to resist for many Brits.

In 2009 and 2010, Mediterranean destinations, such as Greece, Spain and Cyprus, have lost visitors to ‘more affordable’ resorts in Turkey and Egypt.

However, one Mediterranean island has bucked the trend. Malta often described as the Med’s best-kept secret, has seen international visitors rise by 13% last year, with a 4% increase from UK visitors to 415,120.

The affordability factor has been key for Malta and its sister islands Gozo and Comino, with the destination offering great value for money in these testing times.

While it has been traditionally pitched as a one or two-week holiday destination, an increase in regional services from the low-cost carriers, such as Ryanair, EasyJet and Bmibaby, has helped Malta to offer more flexible durations, opening up the destination to the short-break market not just for the summer but all-year round.

The island’s thriving cultural scene, which includes a year-long calendar of events with the Isle of MTV (headline act this year is Snoop Dogg), Malta Arts Festival and the Malta Jazz Festival, helps attract visitors to the island and is also playing a role in boasting its repeat visitor statistics. People get a taste for the islands and decide to explore more.

As well as music and cultural events, the island also hosts a major event in the

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sporting calendar – the Rolex Middle Sea Race. Some of Europe’s finest skippers take on a 606-mile race that starts and ends in Malta.

When it comes to historical sites, Malta has plenty to offer. Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has a number of areas to explore including the medieval walled town of Mdina and the Hypogeum, an underground necropolis.

The island, often thought of as Hollywood in the Med, has also provided the backdrop to a number of blockbuster movies and visiting the various locations can easily fill a weekend.

Active types are also spoilt for choice, with all manner of water sports to choose from, along with the more sedate activities of walking, cycling and horse-riding.

Malta has also made an impression on the spa market with a number of hotels boasting world-class pampering facilities.

The weddings market is starting to grow as people look for alternatives to other more established Mediterranean destinations, and the impressive conference facilities at the hotels on the island is also helping to raise Malta’s profile in this sector too.

ABTA hosted its Travel Convention on the island last year and Advantage has chosen Malta to host its 2012 overseas conference.

So make the most of the opportunity to get to know Malta with Travel Bulletin’s All About Malta guide and the next time one of your clients is looking for a short break in the sun, you will know where to send them. ■

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What’s new With operators adding to their programmes for summer and winter, no frills airlines adding regional services year round and the tourist board developing iPhone apps to help tourists get around the islands, Malta has a busy year ahead Malta Tourism Authority The Malta Tourism Authority has launched two apps for use on iPhones.

The Visit Malta app is like a virtual guide book with information and links to websites that provide services to visitors, such as embassy contacts, sporting events and beaches on the islands.

The Malta Cultural Guide app enables visitors to plan their trip, locate the attractions they would like to visit and book using their iPhones.

The app offers five themes: art and culture; the Knights of Malta; archaeology; lifestyle; and historic sites with directions on how to get there and a view on Google maps.

Attraction World Theme park and attraction specialist Attraction World has added 14 new tours in Malta, bringing the total the operator now features on the islands to 16.

Many tours include pick-ups from hotels and all are fully

commissionable. New tours include: the half-day Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk; Comino Tour with lunch; a day trip to Sicily; Fernandes Gozo and Comino; a full-day Gozo by night; Hagar Qim; a harbour cruise of Malta; a jeep safari of Gozo; a jeep safari of Malta; a tour of the Medina; a visit to the Mediterraneo Marine Park; the Spirit of Malta; the three islands tour; and a half-day tour of Valletta.

Cox and Kings The upmarket specialist has added to its Malta programme with the introduction of a new Highlights of Malta group tour in November.

There will be monthly departures scheduled from November until February. The five-day tour is priced from £495 per person.

Guests will be based in the Victoria Hotel, Sliema and will visit Valletta, Mosta, Mdina and Rabat (Victoria). The price includes flights, transfers and breakfast every day.

This new itinerary joins the existing six-day Splendours of Malta tour that takes in Tarxien, Hypogeum, Hagar Qim,

The harbour in Valletta

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All about Malta & Gozo

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What’s New Mdina, Rabat (Victoria) and Sliema. Prices lead in at £975 per person staying in either Valletta or Sliema and includes flights and transfers.

The operator can also arrange stays at the Kempinski San Lawrenz on Gozo. A six-day stay at the hotel leads in at £580 per person and includes flights and transfers.

Shearings Holidays The escorted tours specialist has launched a new collection of breaks to Malta for 2011.

The programme includes the seven-night, all-inclusive Sliema and St Julian’s tour with prices leading in at £499 per person. The seven-night St Paul’s Bay holiday includes stays at the Hotel San Antonio in the popular tourist area of St Paul’s Bay in Qawra on the northeast coast with prices starting at £539 per person.

Seven nights at the Hotel Maritim in Mellieha on the northern coast start at £589 per person, while seven nights at the Grand Hotel in Mgarr Harbour in Gozo lead in at £639 per person.

Thomson Thomson has bolstered its Malta programme for 2011 with the addition of the George Urban Boutique Hotel to its Chic and Unique range. The operator offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast at the hotel starting at £469 per adult, £295 for the first child and £365 for the second child, including flights and transfers.

Olympic Holidays The Greece and Cyprus specialist is to focus on making Malta one of its main featured destinations over the next three years following its strong performance during the global downturn.

Commercial director Photis Lambrianides said Malta had performed quite successfully for Olympic in difficult times. “We are offering it all year-round to satisfy demand from a wide crosssection of the holiday market,” he says.

“We are making greater use of EasyJet and Thomson Airways flights alongside Air Malta and our expanded choice of online accommodation is turning the destination into an important one for us. The British love affair with Malta goes back decades. The island appeals to short breakers and emptynesters alike, as well as to couples of all ages and families,” Lambrianides says.

Cosmos Cosmos has introduced some new properties to its Malta programme for winter 2011/12 and summer 2012.

The Pergola Club Hotel and Spa in Mellieha Bay is new for winter with prices from £289 per person for seven nights’ self-catering or £339 for seven nights’ bed and breakfast, with half-board available too.

The Pergola is also included for summer 2012 in the newly launched summer holidays preview edition as well as the new Hotel Dolmen Resort in St Paul’s Bay priced from £479 per person for seven nights’ B&B.

All about Malta & Gozo

The Mdina in Rabat

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What’s New New to the Cosmos summer programme for this summer is the five-star Hotel Corinthia St George’s Bay in St Julians, with seven nights’ bed and breakfast from £659 per person. The Corinthia St George has been introduced to meet the demand for the higher category units proving popular with the older couples’ market. Malta product and commercial manager Jody Clapham said: “Following on from the trends in 2009 and 2010, the higher quality units we offer in Malta continue to perform well so we are keen to expand our range.

“The higher-end breaks attract the older market, those keen to escape the mainstream family market, wanting an element of culture and a standard of hotel they can trust,” she added.

“With the range of daily flights available to the destination Malta continues to cater for the short-break market, as well as the long-stay market which traditionally has been very popular over the winter.”

Prestige Holidays Malta is proving to be popular this summer with bookings

Malta Gozo, Comino & Sicily

£309pp* Accommodation only from £8pppn Summer holidays from

The award winning specialists! *Based on Clover Holiday Complex 3key, SC, 2 pax, Bristol, 7nts

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15% up on last year, according to Prestige Holidays.

Commenting on Malta’s success, marketing manager Nicky Shafe said: “Our most popular hotels are still the Westin Dragonara in St Julian and the Grand Hotel Excelsior in Malta’s capital Valletta.

“The Westin Dragonara is a big hit with our family clients as it offers great facilities for children and we also offer free places for children under 13 sharing a room with their parents. “The luxury bay suites on the water’s edge appeal to families wanting more space as they are like small apartments.

She added: “The Grand Hotel Excelsior is a great choice for couples on city breaks as it is on the doorstep of Valletta and all its major attractions. It also offers a good spa.”

Shafe said that the wide choice of flights from London and regional airports makes it easy to tailor make any length of stay. However, breaks of 10 or 11 nights are booking well.

Seven nights’ B&B at the Hilton Malta lead in at £938 per person including return flights and private taxi transfers.

Belleair Holidays The Malta specialist has introduced EasyJet and Bmi services to its programme.

Other new additions include the four-star, all-suites hotel, Rocca Nettuno in Sliema and accommodation-only holidays at any featured hotel, villa or apartment.

New bookable attractions include access to the hop-on, hopoff island bus services for just £12 per adult/£8 per child, with tickets valid for a whole day and 30-minute sea-plane scenic flight tours from Valletta, from £65 per adult or £49 per child.

New free attractions include the Valletta Living History and The Malta Aviation Museum, Ta’Qali.

Prices lead in at £279 for seven nights’ self-catering at the Clover Holiday Complex, Qawra including flights from Gatwick and transfers.

Agents interested in going on a fam trip, should e-mail their name/agency/ABTA number to Emma Yorke at emma.yorke@holidaymalta.com All about Malta & Gozo

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What’s New Air Malta Air Malta is operating 34 services per week from the UK to Malta this summer.

The airline, which is the only full service airline flying from the UK, is offering double-daily flights from Heathrow, with morning and early evening departures plus an additional Friday evening departure, leading to a total of 15 flights per week.

Flights from Gatwick operate double daily except Mondays with a total of 13 flights per week, with Manchester operating daily except Tuesdays with a total of six flights per week.

Summer air fares in economy class start at £99 return from Gatwick and Manchester and from £144 return from Heathrow. Club Class fares lead in at £391 Gatwick and £402 Heathrow.

Bmibaby The low-cost airline is celebrating the first anniversary of its services to Malta this month.

The low-cost airline flies twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays from East Midlands Airport and is expecting to carry more than 15,500 passengers on the service this year.

Managing director Julian Carr said: “Malta is one of our bestperforming routes from East Midlands Airport with impressive load factors averaging 85 per cent.

“Offering passengers convenient flight times all year round, combined with Malta’s pleasant all year round climate, it is a popular route that continues to exceed expectations.

“Demand for flights to Malta this summer is exceptionally high, making Malta the destination of choice for leisure passengers in 2011.”

Fares to Malta start at £78.99 one way including taxes.

Soloist Holidays Single travellers’ specialist Solo’s Holidays features Malta and Gozo in two of its itineraries for 2011.

The pampering package includes departures on 30 September and leads in at £469 for three nights’ half-board at the Fortina Hotel in Sliema and includes an indulgence spa package.

The walking holiday departs on 22 October and offers visitors the chance to explore Malta and Gozo on foot with a series of guided tours. Seven nights’ half-board starts at £765.

Activities Abroad Gozo has been introduced to Activities Abroad’s family summer activity holidays. With prices starting at £1,345 for adults and £1,195 for children, the package includes activities such as kayaking, relaxing on the lazy boat day and exploring the underwater world with Mini B diving.

Regaldive The diving specialist has added Gozo to its portfolio of destinations.

Regaldive is offering three accommodation options, the threestar Hotel San Andrea, the four-star St Patrick’s Hotel and a range of self-catering apartments of one to three bedrooms.

The island has more than 30 dive sites, accessed from the shore and by boat across Gozo and Comino.

Regaldive managing director Andreas Elia said: “We are always looking for new and interesting diving destinations to offer our customers. Gozo is a great addition because its clear waters offer something for all diving abilities.

Prices start at £433 per person for seven nights’ self-catering including transfers and flights. PADI Open Water courses cost from £271, while a six-day unguided dive pack, providing unlimited shore diving, costs from £79. I

Westin Dragonara Resort in St Julian’s Bay

All about Malta & Gozo

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The jetset life While Malta is a great place for the two-week, fly and flop with a bit of culture thrown in, the Mediterranean island is becoming increasingly popular with visitors who have a bit of money and want to spend just a few days in the sun

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alta is already well-known with the Hollywood jet-set as the island is home to a big movie industry with a number of blockbusters being filmed here, including Troy, Gladiator, Alexander and The Count of Monte Cristo.

The island has a number of glitzy places for the rich and famous (or not so famous) to hang out. The St Julian’s Bay area is perfect with plenty of sophisticated nightlife including uber chic restaurants, night clubs and casinos. When it comes to accommodation, luxury lovers are spoilt for choice, with a number of five-star hotels and spas. However, if they want complete privacy, there are a lot of villas with state-of-the-art facilities for them to stay in. Here is just a handful of properties with starquality credentials.

The Palace For a mix of contemporary decor and old-fashioned elegance, the Palace in the centre of Sliema hits the right spot.

This five-star hotel offers an urban chic edge and is located within walking distance of shops, restaurants, bars, cafes and the beautiful Sliema promenade. The bustling nightlife of St Julian’s and Paceville is just a five-minute drive away.

The Palace boasts a number of designer suites, individually themed to reflect the human senses - view, light, flavour, fragrance, texture and music.

Facilities at the hotel include an outdoor infinity pool, an indoor pool, a fitness studio and a state-of-the art spa.

Sample product: Cosmos offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast at the Palace in Malta from £699 per person.

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All about Malta & Gozo

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Advertisement Feature

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Luxury

The nightlife hub of St Julian’s Bay

The Phoenicia Hotel When it comes to A-listers, the Phoenicia certainly has a reputation for attracting the big stars – and it doesn’t get much better than our own Queen.

Back in 1949, the Queen, then Princess Elizabeth, visited the Phoenicia a number of times, with the Duke of Edinburgh, who was stationed in Malta as part of his royal navy service.

James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan and Rachel Weisz, of The Mummy fame, have also stayed at the hotel during their time on the island.

Phoenicia marketing director Clive Cordina says the hotel offers “old-world elegance and grandeur combined with modern facilities, which luxury travellers expect without question”.

“The hotel is situated at the gates of Malta’s historic capital Valletta, so many VIPs stay here because they are close enough to stroll into Valletta but needn’t really leave the hotel.

“We offer a choice of settings for 10

wining and dining, acres of mature gardens to relax in, and a pool deck set into the city walls,” he adds.

“During the Isle of MTV in June, many performers and music executives stay here because it is so close to the Granaries concert venue.”

For guests at the Phoenicia, who really want to live like a super star, the hotel can arrange a number of activities, including chartering Roman Abramovich’s 170-metre yacht, splashing out on an evening at the casino, enjoying a scenic tour of Malta and Gozo by seaplane, or partying at exclusive clubs such as Level 22 at the Portomaso Tower in St Julian’s.

Sample product: Belleair Holidays features seven nights’ B&B for £586 per person including flights and transfers.

Westin Dragonara Resort Located in the cosmopolitan St Julian’s Bay, the Westin Dragonara Resort has its own beach, spa and casino.

The hotel also has indoor and outdoor pools, full-service sundecks, a gym, a beauty salon, diving and water sports facilities, tennis, nearby golf course, kids club and on-site shopping.

Featuring 340 guest rooms and suites with a number of rooms on an executive club level where guests can enjoy complimentary publications, breakfast and pre-dinner drinks, upgraded luxury bath amenities and access to executive club lounge.

Sample product: Prestige Holidays offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast with EasyJet flights and private transfers for £819 per person. Seven nights in October lead in at £763 per person and includes one free night saving £146 per booking.

Best of the boutiques While international brands, such as Hilton, Corinthia, InterContinental, Radisson, Kempinski and Le Meridien all have five-star hotels on the island, there are a number of boutique All about Malta & Gozo

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Luxury properties that are catering for the increase in demand from visitors for hotels with something a little different.

These include the Xara Palace, formally a 17th-century palazzo, it is now a family-run boutique hotel situated within the fortifications of the ancient medieval city of Mdina.

The Hotel Juliani is a small boutique hotel that overlooks the picturesque bay of St Julian’s. Recently opened in St Julian’s is the urban boutique hotel George, boasting a spa, indoor heated pool, a rooftop pool with a sky lounge and conference facilities.

On the neighbouring island of Gozo set in one 160 hectares of land overlooking cliffs with magnificent views across to the islands of Malta and Comino, Ta’Cenc is a stylish haven from the of 21st-century life. It has large swimming pools, a holistic wellness spa as well as 83 stone-built bungalows and rooms.

The hotel has recently opened some new suites that overlook the hotel’s spa.

Villas Property specialist Villarenters, which has just started selling through the trade, has a number of converted farmhouses in its Malta programme that offer a stylish, home-fromhome feel for visitors who don’t want to stay in a hotel but still cherish the luxury.

These include the four-bedroom Razzett ta Tonina in Qala. Located in mature gardens, it has indoor and outdoor pools, mature gardens and is fully air-conditioned. Prices start at £1,141 per week.

Meanwhile, the 300-year-old farmhouse, Case Bella in Xaghra, Gozo has a 48ft pool, kitchen, dining and living room and five airconditioned bedrooms with prices from £1,150 per week. ■

Hire a boat and discover the islands

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From pampering to partying…

Whether it’s a long weekend, a midweek break, a seven-night getaway or a longer winter stay, there is plenty to keep visitors busy both day and night.

From the historic city of Valletta to the nightlife of St Julian’s and the tranquillity of Gozo and Comino, Malta has it covered 24/7

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UNESCO World Heritage city, Valletta is the capital of Malta, was built by the Knights of St John after the Great Siege of 1565 and was named after their victorious Grand Master, Jean Parisot de la Vallette.

The city, full of winding, cobbled streets and alleyways, is contained by a ring of walls and bastions and is a history lovers’ dream, packed full of great examples of Baroque architecture including the Grand Master’s Palace and St John’s Co-Cathedral.

Perched on a hill with stunning views of Malta, Mdina is a medieval walled town, which has barely changed in centuries with lots of medieval and Baroque architecture and a number of quaint cafés and tea houses to relax and watch the world go by.

Other must-sees are Three Cities of Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea (L-Isla) and Cospicua (Bormla) are a set of three harbour towns linked with the history of Malta, from medieval times to World War II and are well worth a visit for people interested in Maltese history and culture. Hagar Qim and Mnajdra are ancient limestone temples set on a clifftop in one of Malta’s most beautiful and unspoilt regions.

The Hypogeum has to be high on the agenda for keen explorers. An underground necropolis made from the rock of the island around 3600 BC and later expanded by tunnelling even deeper, it is a UNESCO World Heritage 12

site filled with stunning chambers.

Finally, to indulge yourself in the local way of life, head to the Marsaxlokk fish market, watch the

traditional Maltese fishing boats, Luzzu, bringing in their catches of the day, which are later seen in the market’s restaurants.

Scissor Sisters at the Isle of MTV 2010

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Activities For active types Water sports play a big factor in Malta’s appeal to visitors who like to get the adrenaline pumping on holiday.

The islands have really made a name for themselves with the international diving jet-setters of all abilities due to its shallow reef dive sites and wreck dives.

Malta, Gozo and Comino are also popular with lovers of the relatively unknown sport of deep-water soloing which involves rock climbing above the sea wearing just a swimsuit and climbing shoes.

Visitors with an interest in abseiling also have plenty of stretches of cliffs to choose from, while cyclists and keen walkers also flock to the islands as they are small enough to get around in a day and the views are memorable.

Sailing is also a popular pastime with a number of yacht charter companies and harbours to accommodate small and super-size yachts.

Finally, the 18-hole Royal Malta Golf Club welcomes visitors and boasts the Duke of Edinburgh as a member.

For families Sandy beaches and shallow waters make Malta’s beaches a hit with the family market, particularly since the islands are only a short flight from the UK. The Maltese people are also very welcoming to children and hotels, villas and farmhouses all accommodate families.

When it comes to keeping the kids entertained, there’s the Mediterraneo Water Park with dolphin shows and sea lions, the Playmobil Park and the Splash and Fun Park and not forgetting the Popeye Village in Anchor Bay, the set for the original Popeye movie starring Robin Williams.

Spas While many may not think of Malta as a spa lovers’ haven, the islands have 15

hotels with spas. including the Kempinski San Lawrenz, on Gozo, which incorporates one of the largest marine care centres in the Mediterranean and the largest authentic ayurvedic centre in Europe.

The Fortina Spa Resort in Sliema is an all-inclusive spa resort with four spas, a dental clinic, cosmetic surgery and the therapeutic spa bedrooms.

By night Malta has established itself as a big player on the club scene during the summer months with a number of international DJs playing sets at Malta’s many clubs.

Isle of MTV and Creamfields take place during the summer with big names such as Kelis, Lady Gaga, Black-Eyed Peas and Scissor Sisters playing previous years.

Snoop Dogg is lined up for this year.

The liveliest areas for partying are Paceville and Bugibba, which are filled with indoor and outdoor clubs.

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Activities Gianpula is one of Malta’s most famous and popular open-air night clubs. Club Numero Uno, located in the middle of Ta’Qali crafts village, is also a great outdoor club with a capacity for more than 4,000 clubbers.

The MICE market While catering for the leisure market fills hotel beds during the summer, many of the hotels have developed their conference facilities to attract companies all year round to hold their annual gatherings overseas.

The investment has certainly paid off with the UK travel industry showings its support to Malta. ABTA held its 2010 Travel Convention at Hilton Malta Conference Centre in St Julian’s. The Conference Centre is part of the Hilton Malta Hotel, located on the fashionable

Portomaso waterfront development and marina.

The conference centre has 21 meeting rooms that can accommodate between 80 and 1,400 delegates seated in theatre style.

The Hilton’s flexibility is one of the reasons that Advantage Travel Centres has chosen the venue to host its 2012 overseas conference.

Explaining why Advantage opted for Malta, chief executive John McEwan said: “We chose Malta because of its history and wide range of tourism activities and attractions. It’s also a destination, which despite its long association with the UK, will be new to many of our delegates.”

Another popular conference hotel is the Maritim Antonine Hotel and Spa in Mellieha, which can cater for groups of eight to 200.

The hotel has a large hall which can host banqueting, boardroom and theatre style seating as well as six smaller meeting rooms.

The events team at the hotel can customise conference packages for companies.

Director of international sales, Mark Spivey, said: “The presence of the ABTA Convention in 2010 highlighted its reasonable pricing and accessible location. Not only is the airport open 24 hours, with numerous carriers now operating out of Malta, but the primary language is English, which makes organisation and travel a lot easier”.

The increase in flights from the nofrills carriers has made Malta a more attractive option for companies looking to host their conferences overseas as they offer more flexibility on durations. ■

Lights, camera, action…

The islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino have provided the backdrop to many a Hollywood blockbuster over the years.

So, if you you have a client who is a big film buff, suggest they head to Malta to check out all the film locations.

Here is a quick guide to the films and where they were shot

Midnight Express (1978) directed by Alan Parker starring John Hurt. Scenes were shot at Fort St Elmo in Valletta.

Popeye (1980) directed by Robert Altman and starring Robin Williams and Shelley Duvall. This production team, not only built a set, they left it in place, later to become Popeye Village near Mellieha.

Gladiator (2000) directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Oliver Reed, Richard Harris and Derek Jacobi. Oliver Reed died during the filming of Gladiator on the island.

U-571 (2000) directed by John Mostow and starring Matthew McConaughey, Harvey Keitel and Jon Bon Jovi. A replica of Rome’s Colosseum structure was built at Fort Ricasoli in the Grand Harbour at Valletta. Some night scenes were filmed outside Vittoriosa at Couvre Port.

The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) directed by Kevin Reynolds and starring James Caviezel, Guy Pearce and Richard Harris. The filming of this movie led to the transformation of Valletta and Vittoriosa into Marseille, with other scenes shot just below Fort St Elmo in Valletta. St Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina also starred in the movie along with St Mary’s Tower on Comino which was used as the Chateau d’If. Swept Away (2002) directed by Guy Ritchie and starring Madonna. Scenes from the film were shot in Comino and Malta, with Vittoriosa doubling up as an Italian port. Madonna goes snorkelling at the Blue Lagoon on Comino.

Popeye's Village, the original film set is now a tourist attraction

Cutthroat Island (1995) starring Geena Davis and Matthew Modine. This pirate movie was filmed on the waterfront of Vittoriosa in front of the Maritime Museum. Other scenes were shot in Mdina, Fort St Elmo, and the Dingli Cliffs.

Alexander (2004) directed by Oliver Stone and starring Colin Farrell, Anthony Hopkins, and Angelina Jolie. Valletta’s Grand Harbour became the ancient port city of Alexandria for this film.

White Squall (1996) directed by Ridley Scott and starring Jeff

starring Sharon Stone and Rupert Everett. Scenes were filmed at Fort St Elmo, which was used to portray the city of Beirut. Some of the movie was also shot on the Golden Sands Beach.

Bridges. Scenes for the violent storm in this movie were filmed at the Mediterranean Film Studios.

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Troy (2004) directed by Wolfgang Peterson and starring Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom. A lot of of the film was shot at Fort Ricasoli in the Grand Harbour at Valletta as well as at the village of Mellieha.

Some scenes were also filmed on Comino.

A Different Loyalty (2004) directed by Marek Kanievska and

All about Malta & Gozo

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Festival fun and frolics Malta prides itself on its year-round of calendar of events and festivals here are festivals for foodies, film lovers and music fans, clients with a passion for history and arts and visitors that love nothing more than a day or two’s sailing.

Here is a list of events this year, so make sure you are in the know so the next time that client comes in looking for a short break with a difference, you know where to send them.

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centre of culture and multinational folklore traditions.

Tadamata, Fgura – 10 June The event consists of a food-throwing game and a food-eating challenge. Various sporting activities and team-building events will take place in the centre of Fgura.

Rolex Middle Sea Race, Malta – 22-28 October One of the oldest and toughest offshore racing Classics, the Middle Sea Race takes the fleet on a 606-mile journey from Malta’s Grand Harbour around the Italian island of Sicily and back.

Over 40 seasoned sailors will race in boats from the world’s top designers.

Mnarja Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, Buskett Gardens – 28 and 29 June Mnarja is one of the oldest festivals in Malta. It is a traditional agrarian affair accompanied by folk singing and outdoor feasting of traditional food. Coinciding with the feast of St Peter and St Paul, Mnarji opens the Maltese summer season with openair folk dancing, singing and horse and donkey races. Join the unusual night-long picnic to sample the original fenkata (stewed rabbit).

Isle of MTV – 30 June Taking place at the Granaries in Floriana, the Isle of MTV Malta is the island’s biggest free open-air party and is the grand finale to the Malta Music Week.

As well as a line-up of DJs, artists attending this year’s Isle of MTV Malta are: Snoop Dogg, Far East Movement and LMFAO. Malta Arts Festival – 1-23rd July Hundreds of artists perform throughout this three-week festival all over the island with musical, theatrical, dance and visual arts performances.

Malta International Jazz Festival, Ta’ Liesse – 14-16 July The Malta Jazz Festival is held over three nights at Ta’ Liesse, with its breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour. This Festival features a line-up of top international and Maltese artists who present an eclectic mix of jazz styles from the current musical scene.

Farsons Great Beer Festival, Ta’ Qali, Malta – 30 July Held at Malta’s Ta’Qali National Park, the Farsons Great Beer Festival is a celebration of live music, food and drink. Take part in the beer-drinking competition or just sample different brews in the many bars.

Qala International Folk Festival, Qala, Gozo – 15 September During this day various local and foreign folk groups entertain the public in the little village of Qala n Gozo. Music, dancing, singing, colourful cloths and the atmosphere turn the quiet village into a All about Malta & Gozo

Malta International Air Show, Luga – 24-25 September Aircraft from all over the world are exhibited at the air show with a number of displays including parachutists drifting down from the skies.

Chocolate Festival, Hamrun – 30 October A celebration of all things chocolate, the festival includes various uses of chocolate, exhibition of chocolate sculptures and paintings as well as a chocolate cake competition.

The highlight of the festival will see Grand Master Perellos parade through the streets and come to taste the original chocolate drink of his era.

Malta International Choir Festival, Valletta – 2-6 November The Malta International Choir Competition and Festival invites international choral groups of various levels to perform in several churches.

Nadur Christmas market, Gozo – 3-5 December Organised by Nadur local council, this market consists of local crafts, toys, cakes and Christmas decorations, held in the main square of Nadur.

The Malta International Folk Festival – 28-30 December Twelve different folk groups and bands from 11 countries including France, Italy Greece and India perform in various locations in Malta. ■ Kelis was one of the headline acts at last year's Isle of MTV festival

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Relax and unwind Taking the boat to Malta’s sister island of Gozo, you have a sense that you are leaving the modern world behind and entering a realm where life is all about slowing down and enjoying your surroundings

Gozo Gozo is all about traditional villages, pretty farmhouses, long clifftop walks, secluded lagoons and caves and beaches.

The roads are relatively traffic free and the beaches are quiet and there are a few resorts such as Xlendi, which has a number of restaurants and shops.

The island is popular with scuba divers who just want a quick fix as it is only a short flight away, divers can hop over for the weekend. There is plenty for divers to see underwater including a purposefully sunk ferry. Other activities including rock climbing, sailing, horse riding and abseiling.

Places to visit Victoria: also known by locals as Rabat, Gozo’s main town Victoria boasts a fortress town known as the Citadel, which served as a sanctuary from attack for years and is one of the best places for sweeping views of Gozo.

Dwejra: boasts one of the island’s most beautiful coastlines and celebrated landmarks including the Fungus Rock and

the Azure Window. The area is perfect for snorkelling and diving, and the cliffs have walking paths.

Ggantija Temples: the oldest freestanding structures in the world, predating the Pyramids of Egypt by some 1,000 years, this UNESCO World Heritage temple site offers a glimpse of a very complex and organised civilisation that lived on the islands 3,500 years ago.

Sample product: Headwater Holidays offers an eight-day Calypso Isle independent walking holiday including holiday suggestions such as walking along coastal paths, pass colourful fishing villages to explore, through fields bright with poppies and gladioli before stopping for a picnic and a swim at the narrow creek of Mgarr ix-Xini, where Turkish raiders landed in 1551.

Prices start at £949 per adult and £848 per child at the Ta’Cenc, including flights, breakfast and evening meals, Headwater route notes, Headwater map kit, briefing and local information.

The seven-day Highlights of Gozo Cycling single centre independent cycling

holiday sees guests start at Ta’Cenc, before pedalling to Calypso’s Cave, with views over Ramla’s red sands, to reach Xaghr before travelling west to the luxurious Kempinski Hotel in San Lawrenz and then via honey-hued Victoria back to Ta’Cenc, staying in four and five star hotels with pools throughout.

The holiday starts at £1,002 per person and includes breakfast and evening meals, the transportation of bags between hotels, Headwater route notes, map kit and local information.

Comino With only one hotel and a handful of people living on the island permanently, a visit to Comino really is like stepping back in time.

With plenty of opportunity to relax, it only takes a few hours to discover this wild and rugged island, which has provided a backdrop for a number of Hollywood blockbusters including Troy, the Count of Monte Cristo and Swept Away. Its most famous attraction is the Blue Lagoon. ■

The Azure Window in Gozo

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Memories to cherish Affordability, flexibility, no language barrier and you are unlikely to bump into another couple sauntering down the aisle as you come up it, Malta is pulling out all the stops to cater for the weddings and honeymoons market

M

alta shares many things in common with its fellow Mediterranean islands when it comes to attracting the weddings market.

The warm climate, the familiarity with British wedding culture, the language and the affordability factor.

Shelley Perry, wedding co-ordinator for Holiday Malta, says basic wedding packages starting at £379 make getting married in Malta a real option for many people.

“Civil wedding packages are more popular but we have noticed a growth in demand for Catholic ceremonies recently,” says Perry.

Operators and wedding planners in resort take the strain of all the arrangements and are available around the clock to calm any bride’s nerves about the details for the big day, says Perry. “We organise everything from the bride’s hair and make-up appointments to the photographer on the day.

“Also, what is making Malta even more popular is the flexibility of durations that All about Malta & Gozo

couples and their guests can stay,” she adds.

“The number of no-frills flights means the wedding party only need to stay for a few days, meaning that if couples decide to get married on a Saturday, their guests can fly out Friday afternoon and fly back Sunday.”

Wedding venues There are a number of places for couples to get married, including the choice of 365 churches, grand Baroque palaces, rustic farmhouses in Gozo or Pamela Anderson style on the beach.

Most of the hotels cater for weddings, from the most intimate affairs to the bigger, 200-plus guests with many hotels including the Corinthia hotels, the Phoenicia and the Westin Dragonara Resort offering a choice of locations around their hotels, including outdoor venues to say ‘I do’.

Phoenicia Hotel marketing director Clive Cordina says weddings for UK couples are a growing market for us at the hotel.

“We have seven different locations for civil ceremonies within the resort, including

the Bastion Pool Deck, an intimate ceremony by the art deco fountain at the Rotunda, or a regal affair in the Grand Ballroom” Phoenicia Hotel offers a civil or church ceremony packages from £4,650 for up to 30 guests, including full co-ordinator services with preparation of all documents and fees, dressed seating, mandolin player or classical pianist, sparkling wine with canapés, three-course meal with wine, flowers, wedding cake, bouquets for the bride and bridesmaid, photographer and bridal makeup.

What about the small print?

All the documents can be arranged in advance before couples go to the island with no additional fees when they arrive there.

Guests are advised to be in resort up to two working days before the ceremony so their wedding co-ordinator can take them to the registry office to sign any paperwork. ■ 17

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Fact File Get the lowdown All you need to know about getting to Malta and what to do when you are there.

Climate: Malta has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, humid winters.

Temperature averages from 15°C (November-April), rising to 33°C (MayOctober).

Currency: Euro Time difference: GMT+ 1 hour Language: the official languages are Maltese and English.

Getting there: Malta’s national carrier, Air Malta operates double daily flights from Heathrow, up to nine flights a week from Gatwick and five flights a week from Manchester. The airline also flies from some smaller regional airports including Exeter and Cardiff during the summer. EasyJet flies daily from Gatwick and Ryanair serves Malta from a number of UK airports, including Gatwick, Manchester, Liverpool, Belfast, Newcastle, Birmingham and Glasgow (Prestwick). Bmibaby serves Malta from East Midlands. The flight takes three hours.

Getting around: for car hire, international and national driving licences are required. Driving is on the left and the speed limit is 40 miles per hour on country roads and 25 miles per hour in built-up areas. Buses operate from the main bus terminal in Valletta and are a cheap, efficient and easy way discover Malta. Gozo is a 25-minute ferry trip from Malta’s northernmost tip or a short flight on the seaplane service from Malta International Airport. Comino can be reached by a regular boat service from Malta and Gozo between mid-March and midNovember.

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Nine ways to see Malta Take a cruise to Comino From April through to early November (weather permitting) both Herasails (herayachtmalta.com) and Captain Morgan Cruises(captainmorgan.com.mt) offer a variety of day trips around the islands on wooden gullets, with some visiting the Blue Lagoon in Comino. Night cruises involve watching the sunset before dining on board at the Blue Lagoon and partying the night away before returning to Malta.

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Rent a farmhouse on Gozo Spend a couple of nights in one of the many traditional Gozo farmhouses and villas on Malta’s sister island. Rent a jeep and set off to stock up on supplies from one of the Gozo markets and relax by the pool at the farmhouse, all equipped with barbecues.

2

Discover Mdina by night Malta’s ancient capital until the early 16th Century, Mdina is full of historical sites to see.

However, the early evening is the right time to discover this magnificent walled city as the sun sets.

3

Visit Valletta and lunch in the Grand Harbour A visit to the historic city of Valletta is a must for every visitor to the Islands.

Valletta, interspersed with coffee at many of the coffee shops for a spot of people watching and lunch to discover some Maltese delights.

4

Let your hair down Check out the club scene in Malta - there are plenty of club nights to choose from.

For all the latest news, go to g7events.com and freshevents.info.

5

St Julian’s by night The hub of Malta’s nightlife, start off your night with dinner at one of the many restaurants lining Spinola Bay before hitting some of the bars.

6

Charter a sailing boat and sail around Malta Explore the many coves and beaches Malta has to offer by chartering your own sailing boat for the day. Nautica (nautica.com.mt) offers yachts service including a skipper and packed lunches for the day.

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Relax and unwind Malta has a number of spas for visitors to get pampered including the Fortina Spa Resort, Corinthia Palace Hotel, Radisson SAS Golden Sands Spa Resort and the Gozo-based Kempinski San Lawrenz.

8

Discover Malta’s food and wine Head to Meridiana Wine Estate for a brief tour of the estate and the chance to sample many of the wines before heading off to Valletta for some traditional cuisine in some authentic Maltese restaurants.

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All about Malta & Gozo

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MALTA WINTER 2011/12

sunspot

Included in the price of all of these holidays...

Accommodation as quoted Return flights from Gatwick - other airports are available at supplements FREE 20kg luggage allowance^ Return airport transfers in resort Airport & passenger taxes & security fees Service of an experienced Sunspot representative in resort.

3# Hotel Panorama

A month All-Inclusive next winter from £685pp No single supplement on selected dates

4# Soreda Hotel

2 weeks All-Inclusive rd next winter with a 3 week FREE on B&B from £565pp No single supplement on selected dates

4# Bella Vista Hotel

A week All-Inclusive next winter from £369pp No single supplement on selected dates

4# Qawra Palace Hotel

2 weeks Half Board next winter from £435pp No single supplement on selected dates

4# Preluna Hotel & Spa

2 weeks Half Board with a 3rd week on B&B next winter from £569pp

4# Hotel Fortina

2 weeks Half Board rd next winter with a 3 week FREE on B&B from £569pp No single supplement (in internal rooms)

1 week Adult November ’11 from £345 December ’11 from £335 January ’12 from £335 February ’12 from £345 March ’12 from £369 April ’12 from £379 1 week All-Inclusive (3rd week on B&B if FREE) Adult November ’11 from £369 December ’11 from £345 January ’12 from £345 February ’12 from £379 March ’12 from £389 April ’12 from £399 1 week All-Inclusive Adult November ’11 from £379 December ’11 from £369 January ’12 from £369 February ’12 from £389 March ’12 from £399 April ’12 from £445 1 week Half Board Adult November ’11 from £335 December ’11 from £319 January ’12 from £309 February ’12 from £345 March ’12 from £345 April ’12 from £369 1 week Half Board (3rd week on B&B) Adult November ’11 from £375 December ’11 from £345 January ’12 from £319 February ’12 from £379 March ’12 from £389 April ’12 from £449 1 week Half Board rd (3 week on B&B if FREE) Adult November ’11 from £389 December ’11 from £379 January ’12 from £345 February ’12 from £425 March ’12 from £435 April ’12 from £455 All-Inclusive

10 nights Adult £415 £415 £399 £425 £435 £449 10 nights Adult £455 £489 £445 £459 £459 £489 10 nights Adult £459 £459 £449 £459 £479 £539 10 nights Adult £399 £399 £385 £409 £419 £429 10 nights Adult £455 £455 £435 £459 £459 £539 10 nights Adult £459 £459 £459 £529 £539 £575

2 weeks Adult £519 £519 £519 £529 £549 £539 2 weeks Adult £565 £619 £565 £575 £599 £575 2 weeks Adult £575 £575 £575 £595 £615 £665 2 weeks Adult £435 £435 £435 £479 £499 £509 2 weeks Adult £549 £549 £549 £569 £589 £665 2 weeks Adult £569 £569 £569 £675 £685 £709

3 weeks Adult £629 £629 £599 £665 £689 £765 rd 3 week Adult FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE 3 weeks Adult £769 £769 £769 £779 £839 £885 3 weeks Adult £599 £599 £575 £599 £629 £689 3 weeks Adult £569 £569 £575 £575 £619 £799 3rd week Adult FREE FREE FREE £230 £239 £239

4 weeks Adult £749 £749 £685 £759 £779 £1009 4th week Adult £135 £135 £135 £135 £135 £135 4 weeks Adult £999 £999 £969 £985 £1069 £1115 4 weeks Adult £769 £769 £689 £725 £759 £885 4 weeks Adult £799 £859 £749 £749 £875 £1339 4th week Adult £215 £215 £215 £239 £255 £279

5 weeks Adult £965 £955 £925 £939 £959 £1369 5th week Adult £145 £145 £145 £145 £145 £145 5 weeks Adult £1239 £1229 £1185 £1195 £1309 £1349 5 weeks Adult £925 £939 £869 £879 £899 £1089 5 weeks Adult £1045 £1075 £989 £999 £1145 £1669 5th week Adult £225 £225 £225 £255 £265 £295

For more information and to book call FREEPHONE 0800 408 0506 or visit www.sunspottours.com Prices are per person based on 2 adults sharing. Fuel Surcharges - In the event of fuel surcharges being increased since going to print, these will be advised at the time of booking. These offers are subject to availability & can be withdrawn without notice. Prices were costed on the 17/05/11 for print purposes. Prices may have changed since going to print on this date. Terms and conditions apply. ^Except Ryanair 15kg.

ABTA No: V0211

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