Malta is well known not just for its location but for being a real meeting place for events and conferences for groups determined to find the best conference venue
UK C&I focus: The UK C&I market is a key revenue stream for Malta, accounting for almost a fifth (17.5%) of all C&I arrivals in 2009. Unsurprisingly in the current economic climate, UK visitor figures to Malta dropped slightly in 2009 compared with previous years. However, Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) is keen to grow the market. “We are working hard to promote Malta to UK buyers this year, attending C&I events and increasing our sales calls to buyers. Our efforts have doubled since the start of the economic downturn,” says MTA director UK and Ireland, Alex Incorvaja.
Quality guarantee: To reassure buyers that they can expect high standards of service, consistency and professionalism from ground handlers, the tourism authority awards DMCs that comply with its stringent rules a ‘Quality Seal’. Criteria includes being financially sound, acknowledging requests within 24 hours and having at least one member of staff available 24 hours a day during events. Business meetings Malta is a licensed DMC in Malta offering free conference venue finding services in Malta.
Boutique and business meetings hotels : The island expands its boutique hotel and business and conference venues in Malta several boutique The George opens in St Julians, with 112 rooms featuring a host of mod cons, business meetings space for up to 140 business delegates , and a Piazza bar and rooftop sky lounge contact Theresa Delia at Business meetings Malta for further boutique conference venues including the 17-room Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, the 44-room Hotel Juliani and the 93-room Grand Hotel Gozo. For business meetings in Malta where privacy is vital, the remote Hotel Ta’ Cenc is on Calypso Island’s highest point, overlooking cliffs and views across to the islands of Malta and Comino. It offers 83 rooms, each with a terrace or private garden the ideal conference venue.
Rural idylls: The Malta also offers a range of renovated rural venues, like Bella Vista Farmhouses’ collection of luxury farmhouses perched on a cliff edge in the village of Xaghra on Gozo. The venue offer views of Marsalforn valley, the ancient Citadel in Victoria and the rolling hills that characterise the Gozitan landscape. Every Malta farmhouse offers a freshwater pool with mosaic tiles, a barbecue area, and en suite Jacuzzi bathtubs perfect for your private business meeting in Malta.
Chic: World-renowned architect Renzo Piano is set to enhance the island’s capital, Valletta, by reconstructing historic sites that were destroyed during the Second World War bombings. The regeneration project includes rebuilding the entrance to the city, a new outdoor performance venue at the opera site and a new parliament building. The project will see investment of up to £69m and is set to be completed by 2014, when Malta will celebrate 50 years of independence.
ABTA’s Select Malta: ABTA has chosen the Malta as the destination for the 2010 Travel Convention, which will take place on 18-20 October 2010. Mark Tanzer, ABTA’s chief executive, said: “Malta is a vibrant and developing destination for UK travellers and the convention will give our members a great opportunity to acquaint – or re-acquaint – themselves with all that it has to offer.” The event will take place at the Hilton Malta Conference Centre, which is attached to the Hilton Malta Hotel at Portomaso St Julians.
Pharma market: Malta has a wealth of four-star properties that are ideal for the Conference or business meeting market, and the MTA held a seminar for the local business people to provide the latest regulations within the industry. Options include four-star conference venue the Dolmen Hotel, which is actively targeting the conference and business sector in Malta.
Unusual venues: Business delegates can enjoy a taste of history at the Black Pearl restaurant. Built in Sweden in 1909, the 150ft venue is one of the last surviving wooden trading schooners and her history includes a case of weevil worm and sinking 70 feet below the sea at Malta’s Marsamxett Harbour, before being restored to star in the film Popeye. The ship houses a restaurant and bar serving traditional Maltese dishes, along with Mediterranean cuisine and a selection of fine wines. It has capacity for 220 delegates for a standing reception.
Budget: Malta offer massive savings on other European venues saving up to 66% for business event planners. Non European companies established in an EU member state outside Malta can now apply for VAT refunds on some business expenses. The application is open to taxpayers who can fulfil a set of criteria, which can be obtained through the guidelines available on www.vat.gov.mt.

Tags: Business, Conference, Events, Malta, Meetings, venues