MALTA PRESS COVERAGE JUNE 2017
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Malta Yellow News Scubaverse (Web) 13 June 2017 N/A 2752 74
Malta & Gozo: Two sides of Gozo Malta & Gozo: Two sides of Gozo : On our final day on Gozo we had a tour of the island to take in some of the amazing history and scenery the island offers, on top of the great diving. Then all the journalists, who had come from Russia, Poland, Netherlands, Germany, UK, France & Switzerland, along with their dive centre staff and guests met up for a meal to celebrate the end of the European Divers Meeting. Having met Pete Bullen on the day of diving at the Karwela Wreck, we were delighted that we were also able, along with most of the group, to walk down the hill from the Citadella, to Maldonado's Bistro, where Pete was holding the opening evening for his photography exhibition: ‘Two Sides of Gozo'. The exhibition consists of 38 framed images and two large canvasses of life above and below the waves on this island that Pete now calls home and it will be on display until mid-July. Around two thirds of the images are underwater pictures that show-off some of the best diving that Gozo has to offer, with shipwrecks, divers, caves and marine life. The landscape shots also focus on Gozo's beautiful coastline, bays and harbours (along with Pete's famous and adorable dog, Bob). The venue is perfect for such an exhibition, with the ancient stone walls setting off the visual feast. It was a popular opening night too – with groups of people huddled around all of the images, whilst enjoying some great nibbles along with a beverage or two. There was a real buzz around this cellar style restaurant, as more and more people piled down the stairs to see the images on display. Pete obviously loves Gozo and this shines through in the series of images he has selected to display in this excellent exhibition. All the images are available to buy as prints or canvasses. If you are on Gozo in the next few weeks, then this is well worth a visit. Unattributed[sourcelink]http://www.scubaverse.com/malta-gozo-two-sides-gozo/ [/sourcelink]
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Malta Yellow News TTG Media (Web) 08 June 2017 N/A 12137 325
Malta named Europe's most gay-friendly country Malta named Europe's most gay-friendly country : Malta has been named Europe's most LGBTQ-friendly travel destination for the second year running. The country came top of 49 destinations on the European Rainbow Index, which examines issues like family rights and gender recognition among LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, transgender and queer/questioning) groups. Malta was awarded an 88% score in regards to laws and policies impacting LGBTQ people, ahead of Norway on 78%, with the UK third and Belgium fourth. Peter Vella, Malta Tourism Authority UK and Ireland director, said: "We are delighted that Malta has been recognised once more as the number one destination for LGBTQ travellers in Europe. "As a modern and forward-thinking country, the Maltese people continue to warmly welcome the LGBTQ community and to set an example to the rest of Europe," he said. Malta this year inaugurates Gay Festa, which takes place July 21-23. DJs from the UK and across the world will perform in some of the island's best clubbing venues, while the annual Malta Pride is scheduled for September 4-10. Unattributed[sourcelink]https://www.ttgmedia.com/news/news/malta-named-europes-most-gay-friendly-country-10439 [/sourcelink]
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Malta Yellow News Travel Bulletin 09/06/2017 7 6502 10525.26
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+44 (0) 20 7264 4700 services@kantarmedia.com www.kantarmedia.com
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Malta Yellow News Travel Bulletin 09/06/2017 7 6502 10525.26
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Coverage is reproduced under license from the NLA, CLA or other copyright owner. Nofurther copying (including the printing of digital cuttings) digital reproductions or forwardingis permitted except under license from the NLA, http://www.nla.co.uk (for newspapers) CLA http://www.cla.co.uk (for books and magazines) or other copyright body.
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Malta Yellow News Travel Bulletin 09/06/2017 7 6502 10525.26
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Coverage is reproduced under license from the NLA, CLA or other copyright owner. Nofurther copying (including the printing of digital cuttings) digital reproductions or forwardingis permitted except under license from the NLA, http://www.nla.co.uk (for newspapers) CLA http://www.cla.co.uk (for books and magazines) or other copyright body.
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Malta Yellow News The Daily Telegraph (Travel) 10 June 2017 1 472258 3982cm2 127981.48
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Malta Yellow News The Daily Telegraph (Travel) 10 June 2017 1 472258 3982cm2 127981.48
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Malta Yellow News The Daily Telegraph (Travel) 10 June 2017 1 472258 3982cm2 127981.48
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Malta Yellow News The Daily Telegraph (Travel) 10 June 2017 1 472258 3982cm2 127981.48
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Malta Yellow News The Daily Telegraph (Travel) 10 June 2017 1 472258 3982cm2 127981.48
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Malta Yellow News The Daily Telegraph (Travel) 10 June 2017 1 472258 3982cm2 127981.48
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Malta Yellow News The Daily Telegraph (Travel) 10 June 2017 1 472258 3982cm2 127981.48
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Malta Yellow News The Daily Telegraph (Travel) 10 June 2017 1 472258 3982cm2 127981.48
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Malta Yellow News Scubaverse (Web) 12 June 2017 N/A 2752 74
Malta & Gozo: European Divers Meeting and Diving the MV Karwela Malta & Gozo: European Divers Meeting and Diving the MV Karwela : To celebrate Malta's presidency of the European Union in 2017, the Malta Tourism Authority organised a European Divers Meeting and we were lucky enough to be invited along. As you have seen in our last post, we are based on Gozo and managed to get a day of diving in before the festivities started. Divers and journalists from all over the European Union have gathered to celebrate the diving here. The divers were spread over the many dive centres in Malta and Gozo, but on Tuesday night they all got together for the first time at the Popeye Centre on Malta (where the film starring Robin Williams was filmed). Over 100 dive centre owners and employees, divers and journalists from the dive magazines throughout Europe gathered for a drink and meal together. The evening also included the launch of a new degree in diving ( http://www.isdsm.edu.mt/ ) which will cover the full range of diving topics, from safety and diving medicine to conservation and biology. It is the first of its kind and will allow students to enrol and learn online, whilst also getting credit for any existing qualifications. A talk about the changing marine life of the islands followed, with posters handed out to all the dive centres to help them and their clients report "alien" species that are either known to exist already in these waters, or for those expected here soon. The next day was the big event of the week, with all the divers gathering on Gozo to dive the MV Karwela wreck. First thing in the morning, the wreck was adorned with a flag from each country in the European Union attached to the hull rails as a form of celebration. The Karwela wreck lies, upright, in 40m of water off the south coast of Gozo. There is a kitting up area at the top of the hill, where refreshments were laid on for all who came and dived. DAN also had a tent setup to collect dive data from divers (along with Doppler bubble tests) to enhance their research. Our host dive centre, Calypso Diving Centre, were a huge help to us. With Caroline still injured from a previous fall, their instructors and divemasters carried our dive gear down to the water (and back up the hill for us). We could not have done it without them! We also met up with Facebook friend Pete Bullen, Gozo's most famous underwater photographer and promised to go to the opening night of his exhibition (more on this in our next post). The wreck is just a short surface swim or dive from the shoreline. Its most famous feature is a central staircase but with the bottom step at 38m you do not get too much time to admire it‌ and capture your image. It was great to see all the flags lining the outside rail of the ship and, as an added bonus, we found a seahorse on the way back up. The day was certainly a success, with so many divers from so many countries coming together to celebrate at the same dive site. There was a great atmosphere and most divers took advantage and did several dives (or free dives) over the day. More on our trip in our next post soon! Unattributed[sourcelink]http://www.scubaverse.com/malta-gozo-european-divers-meeting-diving-mv-karwela/ [/sourcelink]
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Malta Yellow News Daily Mail (Main) 14 June 2017 56 1511357 688cm2 32528.64
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Malta Yellow News The Daily Telegraph (Web) 23 June 2017 N/A 1136292 30500
Return of a grande dame: the rebirth of Malta's historic Phoenicia Hotel Return of a grande dame: the rebirth of Malta's historic Phoenicia Hotel : My lifelong fascination with hotels began here at the Phoenicia. When I was 18 or 19 I went on holiday to Gozo with a bunch of friends. We returned on the ferry to Malta and the others flew home, but my flight wasn't until the following day and I needed a bed. I knew that the Phoenicia was Malta's finest hotel and, finding myself alone, I gravitated there, rucksack on back, as if drawn by a magnet. "This is all the money I have," I told the reception staff, producing very little. "Can I stay?" There was no snootiness and no sniggering as the staff politely explained that it wasn't enough for even the smallest single room. I must have looked crestfallen, for after a few whispers, they told me that I could have, for my money, a vacant maid's room. I was overjoyed; it was tiny and it was plain but it was mine and most importantly, so was Malta's grandest hotel, sheltering me for the duration. Forty-five years on, I have returned both to Malta and the Phoenicia. It has been a long time, but in many ways I'm glad that I've waited until now. I've missed the hotel's indifferent years, when changes of ownership, rebranding and clumsy, sticking-plaster refurbishments weakened its appeal as one of Europe's grande dame hotels. And my long absence also means that I've bypassed the decades in which Malta has been passed off as no more than a sun and sand holiday spot. • Formerly a Mediterranean backwater, it's now one of Europe's most talked about destinations, especially now that Valletta is to become European Capital of Culture 2018. A glorious essay in Baroque architecture, restored and pedestrianised, Valletta in particular has seen a major resurgence in recent years and now brims with life. Cool new restaurants, bars and boutique hotels are constantly popping up, but without denting its gentle, unspoilt appeal or the fascinating legacy of the Knights of Malta, who founded it in 1566 and built it on a grid system not seen since Roman times. Gentle, unspoilt, yet once more humming with life … one can say precisely the same for the Phoenicia, just reopened after a major 18-month long refurbishment by international hotelier Gordon Campbell Gray. Now fresh and fashionable, it has nonetheless lost none of its dignified demeanour and, situated just outside Valletta's walls, makes the ideal base for discovering the city, the Grand Harbour, the astonishingly lovely medieval town of Mdina and Malta's Neolithic temples, the latter older than Stonehenge. The hotel will arrange visits to all, throwing in superb private guides, and a stay here goes hand in hand with equally gentle exploration of the island. The Maltese are laid back and friendly, though their driving leaves something to be desired … "like Italian driving" someone commented, "only without the snazzy cars or the talent; traffic lights are just a suggestion here". The Phoenicia Malta was built in the late Thirties by Lord Strickland, Count della Catena, fourth prime minister of Malta, and his wife Lady Margaret – a doughty character if the portrait of her hanging in the lobby is anything to go by. The couple wanted to provide Malta with a luxury hotel of international standard, but it was not until 1947 that the by then widowed Margaret, Lady Strickland, finally opened the hotel, it having been requisitioned by the RAF during the Second World War. • The best boutique hotels in Valletta At once grand and yet intimate, the Phoenicia has an attractively simple layout. Two wings house the 137 bedrooms and suites – airy, pretty and sophisticated – where a bowl of perfectly ripe apricots or perhaps a dish of pears, signature touches of Gordon Campbell Gray, set the tone. Rooms overlook either the Grand Harbour or the Marsamxett Harbour and many have balconies. On the ground floor, the beautiful Palm Court leads through elegant, original glass doors to the Phoenix restaurant and its lovely elevated terrace overlooking the gardens. There's a clubby cocktail bar, its walls decorated with mid-century photographs, including those of Noël Coward and Winston Churchill, and in the Palm Court, the charming scenes of Malta by artist E?C?Dingli, collected by the Stricklands, are a highlight. On the floor below, the stunning Art Deco ballroom, now used for weddings, is where the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh used to enjoy dancing when they lived in Malta in the early Fifties. The room is apparently a particular favourite of the Queen, who has
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Malta Yellow News The Daily Telegraph (Web) 23 June 2017 N/A 1136292 30500
requested that dinners should be held there during return visits to the island. A second brasserie-style restaurant and a spa are currently under construction. Campbell Gray, who launched One Aldwych and Carlisle Bay and currently has hotels in Beirut, Amman and – opening next year – Islay in Scotland, has long worked with designer Mary Fox-Linton who, now in her 80s, has perfectly judged the balance required for a traditional hotel in modern times and interpreted Campbell Gray's belief that luxury hotels should be inclusive rather than exclusive, and that the welfare of the staff is as important as that of the guests. With a predominant colour scheme of blue, white and cream, with splashes of hot pink, the hotel now feels summery and Mediterranean: grand, yes, but with a boutique ambience, where staff wear chinos and light blue shirts and a sense of glamour mixed with relaxation and comfort prevails. • In the restaurant, two opposing walls of stunning blue and white Jim Thompson wallpaper make it almost hard to choose the terrace on which to dine. The food, courtesy of Daniel de Battista, a Maltese chef who trained with Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, hits all the right notes: simple yet sensational and wonderfully flavoured. You might choose burrata, ceviche of prawns or a lobster salad, then a dish of marinated peaches for lunch; and a sea urchin risotto followed by line-caught red snapper with white asparagus for dinner. They will all be delicious, as are the very drinkable Maltese wines on the list. The gardens of the Phoenicia stretch all the way to Valletta's mighty bastion walls, where a dreamy new infinity pool has been constructed in their lee, overlooking the harbour along with a slick contemporary poolside restaurant. Dozing here in the sunshine, I reflect that if I fell for the Phoenicia all those years ago, I am completely captivated now. Doubles from £220 per night, including breakfast; 00356 2122 5241; phoeniciamalta.com. •
Unattributed[sourcelink]http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/malta/valletta/articles/the-rebirth-of-maltas-pho [/sourcelink]
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Malta Yellow News Mallory On Travel (Blog) 26 June 2017 N/A 5563 149
Malta, behind the facade. Malta, behind the façade. : Malta is made up of three islands, Malta, Comino and Gozo. Our trip was focused on diving off Gozo but there was enough time for a walk round Mdina on Malta before heading for our ferry to Gozo. The position of the island group in the Mediterranean Sea means that it has long been prized as a strategic asset. From trading routes to a military stronghold its unique position between the East and West, Europe and Africa has meant that it has been subject to many influences throughout its long history. Romans, Moors, Knights of Saint John, French and British. It has numerous fortresses, megalithic temples and the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, a subterranean complex of halls and burial chambers dating to circa 4000 B.C. The language is an odd mix of Arabic, with some French and the occasional Roman root word which can take it to almost Italian at times. Some place names on the islands have a distinct Arabian feel to them with Rabat, Zurrieq, Marsaxlokk, then you find St Julian's, Victoria and yes, Slugs Bay. Paola, Floriana, Pieta. Its eclectic. Malta is a clash of cultures, a clash of languages and clashes of architecture and food all in one place. I'll be honest and say that my first impression was that of a dusty rock in the middle of a vast ocean. In May, the greenery of the winter months has already given way to the dusty, stony parched ground that Malta wears through to October, when the rains may come again. The fact that most of the buildings are also made from the same stone means that the whole island seems somewhat hewn out of this pale rock. If that was to be my lasting impression, it would be quite wrong. A visit to Crete – Exploring stylish but quaint Agios Nikolaos, Crete Our accommodation was in Xaghra on Gozo. The house is called Ta Salvu, we called it our "Big Brother house" Four journalists/bloggers and a representative of the Maltese Tourist Agency all thrown together in one house for a few days, what could possibly go wrong? The reason I mention our accommodation is that is it entirely representative of Malta itself. Very unassuming on the outside, a bare stone wall with a door in it was all that greeted us, but open that door, step inside and it's a whole different world. What you see on the outside is most certainly not indicative of what is behind that door. There is a simultaneous eschewing of the trappings of wealth whilst hoarding some of the finest wines I have tasted. Houses don't appear much from the outside, it's inside that they shine. Cars are the same, a means of transport, get you out of the dust and the heat. Most of them are covered in dust within a day anyway! There are some short stretches of smooth tarmac on Gozo but most of the roads are, yep, you guessed…made of dusty stone. Did I mention the wine? Maltese wine is utterly, utterly superb! And for years they refused to export it! But the good news is that you CAN buy Maltese wine elsewhere on the planet now. The Marsovin vineyard adorns one of it's ranges with labels of Carravagio paintings, so they are difficult to miss. Since Carravagio is my favourite artist (I love the lighting in his paintings) I'd happily plump for a bottle of that and admire the label as well as the wine. However, we were in for a real treat one night. After a full day of diving we are both tired and ravenously hungry. There is the dichotomy of getting back to the house and just wanting to relax but at the same time dinner is overdue. So a quick shower and pile into our transport and off to Ta' Philip for dinner. Except we didn't just get dinner, Philip Spiteri hosted us and explained his philosophy for his business. Already a successful manager, he decided that he really wanted his own place, done his way. A suitable property was acquired and a digger brought in to excavate beneath the existing building. Well, one needs a wine cellar for all those delicious Maltese wines! One temperature controlled cellar, one open kitchen with wood burning ovens and three levels of dining accommodation later and Ta' Philip was good to go. Visiting the "Mountain in the Sea" – Corsica – Much More Than the GR20 This is no ordinary restaurant though, oh no, Philip is the most demanding owner. The menu changes constantly
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Malta Yellow News Mallory On Travel (Blog) 26 June 2017 N/A 5563 149
using the very best local ingredients. He wants to bring " Made in Gozo " to your table and after several courses of simple but stunningly cooked food, all I can say is thank you to Philip for an unforgettable evening topped off with a bottle of this from 2004. WOW! If you are ever on Gozo and are looking for a special night out, book Ta' Philip and budget for some good wine! Almost everything you can find about Malta has one of it's defining landscapes on it, The Azure Window. Even if you have never visited Malta, or never been to Gozo, you would recognise it immediately. At 9.40am on the 8 March 2017, after a period of heavy storm, the Arch, and the pillar supporting it collapsed into the sea. The Azure Window was gone. You can see the light seabed where the Azure Window now lies, it was previously attached to the cliff on the right. The pool of water on the left is called The Blue Hole and you can descend in The Blue Hole and dive out under the rock and onto the site of the Azure Window. It's a truly magnificent sight down there and we were extremely fortunate that the site has been declared safe to dive, huge chunks of limestone the size of a house moving about down there isn't something to be desired! The difference between the existing seabed and the newly arrived limestone is amazing, as is the sheer size of some of the rocks. Unattributed[sourcelink]http://malloryontravel.com/2017/06/cool-places/europe/malta/malta-behind-facade/ [/sourcelink]