A t r i p to M a l t a a n d G o z o c o u l d

Until 2019, pre Covid-19 pandemic, tourism in Malta was booming It had become one of the top places foreigners liked to visit, not just because of its sunny weather and the sea for most of the year Thanks to the efforts of the Malta Tourism Authority and all those involved in the industry Two years of pandemic put paid to all that

But with the efforts put in by all those in the sector, post-pandemic, Malta is again ranked as one of the most attractive tourist resorts in Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean The numbers of tourist arrivals are at par with the 2019 figures, and with travel becoming more comfortable than before, four months into 2023, those in the know predict that this year's arrivals would exceed the 2019 numbers

Many are witnessing why and how this small yet densely populated country has carved a niche in the tourism industry

The three main islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino, making up an archipelago called the Republic of Malta, have much to offer Foreigners find this out for themselves when they visit, even if it is just for a few hours on a cruise ship The Malta experience seems to leave an indelible mark on them after experiencing the strong culture, history and heritage the island has to offer

Even when it comes to gastronomy, food lovers have an exceptional choice of local and other tastes from all its neighbours in the Mediterranean and even further out, brought over by residents with citizens who have made Malta their permanent home

Pretty Wild World travel guide has de- scribed Malta as an island that has many family-fun attractions stretching across its sun-kissed beaches, and that it lives up to its image of offering lazy holidays and to get a bit of sunshine combined with the luxury of inhaling the smell of fresh seawater. Many tourist travel guide magazines also agree that a trip to Malta and Gozo could be an experience of a lifetime!

In my first article about Malta as a tourist destination in The Voice (Issue No 286), I tertainment.

St Julian's and Paceville are very close Both can be covered just by walking They are centrally located, but at the same time, they enjoy a beautiful spot next to some fantastic beaches. There are many hotels and self-catering apartments in the area Staying in the many hotels here means one is always a short walk away from the beach, the pubs, the countless restaurants, and all that nightlife brings with it focussed mainly on the must-see attractions at Malta's capital, Valletta, the 'Silent City' Mdina, and its neighbourly and equally interesting town of Rabat This follow-up article deals with two places that generally attract different kinds of tourists, particularly those verging on en-

They are ideal spots for tourists, especially the young ones. Every year, thousands decide to stay in this spot on the island, especially Paceville, with its numerous pubs and music outlets Though it could be pretty noisy, Paceville, a small district, is a pull for young people until the early morning It has become known as the place where the young never sleep Staying in Paceville can be a good option if one plans to party the nights away. When it comes to St Julian's, it is a very modern touristic hotspot But It also has quiet districts that simultaneously allow one to be close to the party scene

Surprisingly enough, this area carries with it a long-lasting and fascinating history Back in the late 1700s, when Malta was under French rule, it was precisely here that the French troops first landed and started their occupation According to history, St Julian's was the first town to be conquered by the French In 1798 General Claude Henri Vabois landed with his soldiers in the middle of Spinola Bay, now a tourist attraction for many beach lovers Remains that date back to the Roman Empire era were discovered in the area, making archaeologists believe that the site was inhabited much earlier

Another interesting fact regarding St Julian's is that its flag has Belgian origin, concerning the patron saint Julian who is believed to have been Belgian