Air Malta Reports Growth in U.S, Tourism To Malta

MALTA, March 05, 2011

Air Malta is pleased to report a 7.5 percent increase in U.S. passengers that traveled to Malta in 2010, over 2009. Additionally, according to the Malta National Statistics Office the total number of inbound tourists in 2010 reached a new all-time high of over 1.3 million visitors, as well as a 22% yr/yr increase in total tourist expenditures estimated at $1.1 billion. Air Malta attributes much of the U.S. tourist sector growth to their extensive 2010 travel agent outreach initiatives, which included commission and net-rate booking incentives, FAM trip opportunities and the creation of several incredible air/hotel-inclusive travel packages from the U.S. to the Maltese Islands.

To increase awareness of Malta as a premier Mediterranean travel destination to the U.S. market, Air Malta will continue their travel agent outreach initiatives throughout 2011 - offering net airline rates, special destination packages and promotions as well as tiered commission options for agents based on bookings. The airline will also be increasing their 2011 U.S. travel tradeshow presence - attending both the upcoming Los Angeles Times Travel & Adventure Show in March as well as the Faith Travel Conference & Expo held in Atlanta, Georgia this May. Travel agents who are interested in booking or inquiring about U.S. travel to Malta can call 1-866-357-4155 and ask for either Marc Stafrace or Valerie Jobst.

In 2010, Air Malta unveiled "The Malta Guide" (www. themaltaguide.com) - a state-of-the-art virtual destination guide designed to help travel professionals entice their clients to visit the magnificent Maltese Islands from the comfort of their homes or travel agent offices. The Malta Guide is filled with inspiring recommendations, video diaries, practical travel advice and "best of Malta" lists to provide discerning tourists with useful information and advice for traveling to this intriguing European destination. Additionally, The Malta Guide provides travel agents with expert destination knowledge and with virtual tools to help promote and sell this exotic Mediterranean destination to U.S. travelers seeking an extraordinary winter escape.

For Ipod users, The Malta Tourism Board has just released the VISITMALTA Destination app. The VisitMalta destination app is comprehensive mobile guide to the Maltese Islands providing general information, facts, activities, an interactive map and an updated calendar of events. The application is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Version 1.1 is available in English and German and requires iOS 4.1 or later. It is available for free download from http://itunes.apple.com/mt/app/visit-malta/id384601563?mt=8.

Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta is the largest of the three Maltese Islands and is brimming with attractions to appeal to everyone's tastes. The modern, Capital city of Valletta is bustling with energy and is known for its fine cuisine and cafes, shopping, theatres & art galleries.. Just a short drive away, travelers will feel as if they've stepped back in time as they explore charming medieval towns and fishing villages flanked by palaces, ancient churches, baroque architecture and old-world shops. With a year-round tropical climate and spectacular beaches overlooking the deep blue Mediterranean Sea, Malta is also known for its numerous watersports including some of the world's best scuba diving and snorkeling sites just offshore.
With superbly sunny weather, expansive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do in Malta. With a little help from any guidebook, captivating places of interest are immediately identified - the world famous Hypogeum selected as a place of World Heritage by UNESCO, prehistoric temples and grand palaces are but a few. The long relationship between the Islanders and the various nationalities that occupied Malta over the centuries has created a marriage of styles and traditions, giving the Islands a fascinating eclectic culture.

About Air Malta

Air Malta operates a modern fleet of aircraft to over 50 destinations in Europe, North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, with 200 flights a week. The carrier remains Malta's premier airline, offering an extensive choice of air services from a variety of locations to/from Malta International Airport. With a strong commitment to service and value, Air Malta strives for each individual passenger to experience the true meaning of Maltese hospitality. For additional information about travel to Malta, visit http://www.airmalta.com