MALTA PRESS COVERAGE FEBRUARY 2017
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Malta Yellow News Travel Trade Gazette (Main) 16 February 2017 53 16000 1430cm2 15572.7
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Malta Yellow News Travel Trade Gazette (Main) 16 February 2017 53 16000 1430cm2 15572.7
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Malta Yellow News Travel Trade Gazette (Main) 16 February 2017 53 16000 1430cm2 15572.7
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Malta Yellow News Side Street Style (Blog) 17 February 2017 N/A 44931 1206
3 unique sunny European Destinations for Spring 3 unique sunny European Destinations for Spring : I always find coming out of winter into spring is the time I start to long for sunshine as the slightly warmer days seem to remind one of feeling the warmth of sunshine on your skin more than ever. While the UK doesn't really warm up until the middle of the year there are many wonderful and easily accessible places across Europe that make for the perfect break away to top up on your tan and Vitamin D, also going around this time of the year is perfect for families with young kids as it's both off peak meaning savings as well as avoiding the stifling summer heat. When passing travel agents around the this time of the year you see loads of specials for places like Palma, Lagos, Ibiza and while there is absolutely nothing wrong with these destinations some may be seeking a more cultural, historical and relaxing break which focuses on reconnecting as a family, exploring somewhere new and enjoying good food in inspiring surroundings. I thought I would share a mini Wishlist of 3 European destinations that are easy to get too, offer great value and give you the opportunity to spend some much deserved time relaxing by a pool and leaving these dreary wet days behind you. 1. Gozo, Malta Gozo is one of the three islands that make up Malta and is situated in Mediterranean sea, only a 3hr flight from London. It is smaller, less built up and more remote than the main island but makes for a perfect place to escape and relax. It still offers a lot however for every type of traveller wether you are looking for a romantic break away or want to get active and partake in some sea kayaking or a family looking for sea, sun and sand. These islands are steeped in history as well as offering loads of hikes, sailing and even surfing and the local transportation as well as food is very reasonable. Springtime offers lot of sunshine and warm weather and Clickstay have some amazing Villas on Gozo from ÂŁ550 a week in April such as this beautiful 3 bed farmhouse with private pool that would make the perfect hideaway. 2. Dubrovnik - Croatia Dubrovnik with it's stunning walled city on the Adriatic Sea is listed on the Unesco World Heritage Site and is regarded as the "pearl of the Adriatic". Its only around 2hrs 45min flight time from the UK and offers travellers sunshine, history and culture all wrapped up in a visually stunning destination that is also very budget friendly. Some may also be interested to hear that Dubrovnik has features a fair few times as "Kings Landing" in game of thrones and there are lots of "thrones tours on offer for anyone who is a fan of the series. There are also three public beaches near the old town and plenty to see and do a little further afield as well as some fantastic Apartments and Villas to rent at very reasonable prices. 3. Piran - Slovenia Some people may not event know that Slovenia which is sandwiched between Italy and Croatia has a coastline, it's a small coastline but a very beautiful one at that and Piran being the most quaint and visual inspiring of them all. To get to Piran the easiest way is to do the 2 hour flight to the capital of Ljubliana and hire a car and drive down taking in the stunning rural countryside. Piran town is easy to walk and explore and is a very quite and relaxed place where taking in the sunset on the waterfront with a drink is hand is a must as well as a climb to the top of the city walls to get a panoramic view across the coastline. There are only a few hotels in Piran but there are plenty of apartments and private lets in the area which are great if your travelling as a larger group or with family. An associated post Unattributed[sourcelink]http://www.sidestreetstyle.com/2017/02/3-unique-sunny-european-destinations.html [/sourcelink]
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Malta Yellow News TTG Media (Web) 17 February 2017 N/A 12137 325
Making room for Malta Making room for Malta : Business to Malta is booming with the destination's biggest issue being finding the capacity to meet demand. Debbie Ward looks at the latest developments in airlift, accommodation and attractions. European Union presidency Malta hosted a leaders' summit earlier this month, and sunny news shots of capital Valletta were a timely reminder of the destination's warm climate and historic attractions. In fact Malta and neighbours Gozo and Comino are flying high, with UK demand booming. "It's a bit of a problem really," admits Peter Vella, Malta Tourism Authority UK and Ireland director, "because, according to market research firm GfK's data, we have bookings piling in but we don't necessarily have enough capacity to service demand." May to December sales for the destination are already up 28% and, by value, winter bookings (Malta temperatures hover around 16C in December and January) are up 43% on 2016, partly boosted by the exchange rate. Capacity meanwhile has grown just "a few per cent". Air Malta pulls its less profitable Manchester service at the end of April but Giovanni Costa, UK and Ireland market manager, stresses: "The UK travel trade is pivotal to our success and operating up to 22 departures from London is testament to that, added to weekly departures from Birmingham and Bristol this summer. Expectations for 2017 remain positive and our trade partners are predicting another record year." The airline is assisted by Flight Directors on UK trade sales. Vella says no-frills carriers have somewhat compensated on the Manchester route but he is in talks with carriers about expanding overall Malta airlift. In addition cruise is growing. In the third quarter of 2016 106 ships called at Malta, up from 102 in 2015 and this year P&O's Oceania is Valletta-based, running week-long itineraries east and west, stopping at Gozo. Accommodation development is also positive. "Because the islands have had a number of good years back-to-back the government has given hotels permission to expand and add extra floors… so some product that was quite tired has had a refurb that has raised standards," says Belleair director David Green. The historic luxury Phoenicia Hotel near Valletta will shortly reopen following major refurbishment and expansion. Ramla Bay Resort will offer an extra 100 apartments that can be divided to create 200 rooms and the Intercontinental in St Julian's has added three floors. Boutique hotels however are the newest trend. "Valletta is a World Heritage centre so you can't just plonk a five-star 400-room hotel in it," explains Vella. "Boutique hotels in 16th-century palazzos that used to belong to the Knights of St John are opening. I saw four recently and was knocked out by them. Some have spa facilities built into wells underground and they're extremely atmospheric." Newcomers include SU29, Casa Ellul and Ursolino in Valletta, and Locanda la Gelsomina in Birgu. Operators report no negative effect from the introduction of a modest tourist tax, payable at hotels, of €0.50 per adult per night, capped at €5.00 per person per stay. The money is being used, says Vella, to keep tourist areas "clean and safe" including extra policing.
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Malta Yellow News TTG Media (Web) 17 February 2017 N/A 12137 325
Valletta will be European City of Culture in 2018 and historic Victoria, capital of sister island Gozo, has just completed extensive refurbishment and added a visitor centre. City breaks from all markets have already increased "quite dramatically" and stays of three nights and under now comprise 15% of visits. A London Underground campaign has helped pushed the market here in the UK. Besides attractions such as St John's Co-cathedral's jaw-dropping interior and the Lascaris War Rooms under Valletta, a strong line-up of events fuel short breaks, including the free annual Isle of MTV concert that's been headlined by Lady Gaga and will-i-am. Belleair's Green recommends agents use the Visit Malta website events section: "It helps them add a bit of value… customers do want to do things there; it's not a drop and flop holiday." In fact 40% of Belleair's Malta customers choose B&B so they are not tied to their hotels. "It's a fantastic island to explore. It's left-hand drive and the public bus network is €21 for a week's pass," says Green. Operators with escorted Malta tours include Titan, Saga and Riviera Travel. Value, however seems to be Malta's main attraction. "The prices in resorts are very good because it's in line with the local economy to cater for the local markets as well," says Green. "Between 60% and 65% of our customers book four-star now. Three-star is virtually off the map." Couples are Belleair's largest Malta market and retired clients take extended winter stays but Green says the family share is growing: "More and more properties are building facilities for kids." Bugibba, St Julian's, then Valletta are Belleair's most popular resorts and sleepy Gozo works well in a twin-centre, says Green. "If it's sold right by agents, clients will love it [Gozo]; it's a real escape from it all and easy to get to by ferry." Sunspot is another Malta specialist while Tui and various online travel agents are also big for the island but, Vella says, it's Jet2holidays that is "growing rapidly": "We'll see by the end of 2017 whether they're the biggest player or not." Jet2holidays only introduced Malta in 2015. "Our package holiday offering to this Mediterranean haven has gone from strength to strength and we now boast 52 properties across Malta and Gozo with flights from five UK destinations," says a spokesperson. Lowcostholidays was big for Malta, not only from the UK, but Vella says the gap it left has been filled. Hotel occupancy April-June 2016 was 89%. LGBT operator Out Of Office is a Malta newcomer. Perhaps surprisingly for a Catholic country, in 2016 Malta topped the ILGA rainbow chart of LGBT-friendly Europe. Diving is another niche. The islands boast "bucket-list dives" such as the Blue Hole and Cathedral around Comino and Gozo plus World War Two ship and aircraft wrecks. The UK remains Malta's largest market with 30% of arrivals; more than the next three (Italy, Germany and France) put together but Vella says its share is "being eroded". Even the US is getting in on the act with Lonely Planet's US edition tipping Gozo as "number one secret destination for 2017". It seems it's best not to be complacent.
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Malta Yellow News TTG Media (Web) 17 February 2017 N/A 12137 325
Unattributed[sourcelink]https://www.ttgmedia.com/news/features/making-room-for-malta-9119 [/sourcelink]
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Malta Yellow News The Lady (Main) 24 February 2017 49 27484 2209cm2 11840.24
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Malta Yellow News The Lady (Main) 24 February 2017 49 27484 2209cm2 11840.24
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Malta Yellow News The Lady (Main) 24 February 2017 49 27484 2209cm2 11840.24
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Malta Yellow News The Lady (Main) 24 February 2017 49 27484 2209cm2 11840.24
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times (Ireland) (Sunday) 26 February 2017 20 80136 992cm2 11695.68
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times (Ireland) (Sunday) 26 February 2017 20 80136 992cm2 11695.68
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times (Ireland) (Sunday) 26 February 2017 20 80136 992cm2 11695.68
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times (Ireland) (Sunday) 26 February 2017 20 80136 992cm2 11695.68
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Source URL: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/b290a952-fac4-11e6-8121-0035d63ed063
IRELAND
Taking off: the Galapagos, Barbie fashion and discounts for Patrick Dara Flynn 26 Feb 2017 00:01:00
A taste of Darwin’s test kitchen Multiactivity holidays are all the rage, but this one has a gentler pace — like that of a tortoise. Sunway’s family trip to the Galapagos Islands is a crash course in exotic wildlife, and includes expeditions to the giant tortoise breeding centre and the Charles Darwin Research Station, plus the chance to snorkel, hike, kayak and swim. Children must be over six, and those under 18 must have an adult with them. The eight-day trip, starting and ending in Quito, costs from €3,447 for adults and €2,947 for children. The trip departs on July 15.sunway.ieAll dolled up Her size-zero figure may no longer be politically correct, but Barbie still has an enduring appeal. An exhibition devoted to the retro doll has opened at the Fundacion Canal in Madrid. The show has 438 “pieces”, with dolls in all manner of clobber, from astronaut and pilot uniforms to extravagant ballgowns — and there's also Ken in his swimmers. Barbies on show include Tippi Hedren in her Birds costume, Audrey Hepburn at her Breakfast at Tiffany’s peak, and Cher in her Turn Back Time mankini. Until May 2, with free entry. fundacioncanal.comDoha gets a Mondrian The Qatari capital continues to muscle in on the turf of neighbour Dubai with ever-more lavish hotels and elaborate buildings. Mondrian Doha, the group’s first hotel in the Middle East, ticks both boxes – and at a surprisingly affordable rate. Check in to the falcon-shaped construction, which opens this spring, and you’ll live like an emir among decor of Swarovski crystal chandeliers, bespoke furniture and giant columns topped with golden eggs. You won’t need a private source of oil to fund your stay, because doubles cost from €225.mondriandoha.comFrench paradox
Before the Ireland-France Six Nations rugby match yesterday, price-comparison site Kayak measured a 184% increase in searches for return flights from France to Dublin compared with the same weekend last year. French fans attending the match would have paid on average of €133 for their three- or four-star hotel rooms last night, 23% more than during the same weekend last year. kayak.ieDo call me Paddy Are you Pat, Paddy, Podge, Patricia or Padraig? If so, a night of B&B is yours for free at Treacys West County hotel in Ennis, Co Clare, to coincide with March 17, national celebration of the patron saint. A total of 500 Patricks, or variants thereof, can stay for free, with 70 bookings available on March 17 itself — the rest can be made for various midweek dates in March. To book, phone the property, tell them you’re a Patrick or Patricia, and they’ll book you in and on arrival. You’ll be asked to prove your identity with a passport or driving licence. Bookings open tomorrow at 10am and are based on two sharing. Your guest will pay a reduced rate of €49.treacyswestcounty.comCapture the castle Quick staycation, two nights, good grub? Gregans Castle in Co Clare is a good option, with stunning views of Galway Bay on one side and the Burren on the other. Spend two nights including dinner for two in its gourmet restaurant — which has three AA rosettes and is one of The Sunday Times/McKennas’ Guides top 100 restaurants — and full Irish breakfasts from €259pp. The bedrooms don’t have televisions, but resist the urge to indulge in a sneaky Netflix session on your tablet. This is proper R&R, so switch everything off. The offer is valid from now until April 28. irelandsbluebook.com To the lighthouse Lighthouse Grebeni, a 100-year-old building, sits on its own private rocky outcrop off Dubrovnik — and you can have it all to yourself. The lighthouse sleeps 10 and has five bedrooms and two bathrooms. There’s also a seawater swimming pool, even though the island is surrounded by the warm waters of the Adriatic. Speedboat transfers for €40 take you from the island to Dubrovnik. coolstays.com/lighthouse-grebeniA little Malta-teaser April is a good month for Malta. The Valletta Green festival runs from April 25-30, transforming one of the capital’s largest spaces into a carpet of 80,000 flowering plants. Meanwhile, the Malta International Fireworks Festival goes off with a bang from April 22-30 (visitmalta.com). Go with Concorde Travel for a week from April 24 and catch both events. Your base will be the four-star Paradise Bay at Mellieha (€495pp B&B ) or the five-star Intercontinental at St Julian’s (€649pp B&B). Prices are based on Ryanair flights, and subject to change. concordetravel.ie Related Images
Publisher: News UK & Ireland Ltd Published Date: 26 Feb 2017 00:01:00 Article Id: 33498136 Version: 1 Word Count: 750 Character Count: 3482
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