Corinthia appoints GM for London hotel

Floriana, 09/09/09 - Corinthia Hotels have appointed Matthew Dixon as general manager of the Corinthia Hotel in London, which is scheduled to open in late 2010.

The property will be Corinthia’s latest five star property with 300 bedrooms and suites, three restaurants, a large central courtyard foyer, tea lounge, destination bar, a ballroom, conference and boardroom facilities and London’s largest luxury hotel spa complex.

Dixon is Savoy trained and gained knowledge of hotel marketing and operations at Claridges Hotel in London. He also held executive roles with Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong and in Manila. He then spent time with Rocco Forte hotels as general manager of the Hotel de Russie in Rome and was general manager of Brown’s Hotel, London.

More recently, and after the opening of the Grove - a hotel and golf complex - Dixon joined the operation as general manager and until recently developed and operated this five star property.

He starts work for Corinthia on 21 September 2009.

ESE joins FELTOM

St Julian’s, 01/09/09 - The European School of English (ESE) has become a full member of FELTOM – the Federation of English Language Teaching Organisations Malta.

By joining FELTOM, ESE feels it can contribute in helping to maintain and improve the standards of English language programmes while also promoting Malta as a destination for learning English.

ESE, established in 1996, offers a full range of courses at all levels and to all ages and is open year round.

Air Malta appointed the official carrier for archivists meet

Luqa, 20/08/09 - Air Malta has been appointed the official carrier of the 41st International Conference of the Round Table on Archives (CITRA). More than 250 delegates from some 100 countries are expected to participate in this event that will be held in Malta between from 17 to 21 November.

This conference gives archivists the opportunity to discuss the latest developments in their field. It is an event organised by the International Council on Archives, a body that reaches out to a network of over 1,169 archival institutions and 211 individual members from more than 190 countries. This year’s conference titled, “imagining the 21 century archivist: new strategies for education and training” will concentrate in how to cultivate a new generation of archivists in the era of the internet, especially by the widespread use of search engines like Google and the You Tube archive.

The National Archives of Malta are organising this year’s conference with the backing of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, under which it operates.

Corinthia’s Carroll takes seat as VP of Africa Travel Association

Mosta, 14/08/09 - Glenn Carroll, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Malta-based CHI Hotels and Resorts, took his seat as vice president of the international board of directors of the Africa Travel Association (ATA) at the 34th International Conference held in Cairo recently. ATA is the New York-based professional travel industry association promoting tourism to Africa.

Carroll, who spoke on the hotel industry panel at the conference, said, “I am very pleased to represent CHI on the ATA board, especially since CHI is on a major expansion track in Africa through its joint venture agreement to operate the Wyndham and Ramada Plaza brands in Africa, as well as managing its own Corinthia hotels luxury brand.”

KM to fly Maltese athletes to international meets

Luqa, 12/08/09 - Air Malta and the Maltese Olympic Committee (MOC) have renewed their reciprocal co-operation programme by signing an agreement aimed at assisting the MOC with its travel requirements. Air Malta is once the MOC’s official carrier for the next three years.

Air Malta will assist the MOC in its travel related requirements as athletes and officials represent Malta abroad. This agreement facilitates all MOC contingents’ participation at various international competitions including the Games of Small States of Europe (Cyprus 2009 and Lichtenstein 2011), the Commonwealth Games (Delhi 2010), the Youth Olympic Games (Singapore 2010), the Mediterranean Games (Pescara 2009) and Friendship Games (Sicily 2010) and Les Jeux des Iles (2009 and 2011).

US embassy nominates Westin Dragonara for corporate excellence award

Floriana, 10/08/09 - Jason Davis, chargé d’affaires of the US embassy, announced the mission’s nomination of the Westin Dragonara Resort for the “secretary’s award for corporate excellence”.

Davis presented general manager Michael Camilleri Kamsky with a certificate in honour of the Westin’s selection as Malta’s nominee for this international award.

The US secretary of state's “award for corporate excellence”, established by the state department in 1999, recognizes the important role US businesses play abroad as good corporate citizens. The award honours corporate social responsibility, innovation, exemplary business practices and democratic values worldwide, and is intended to highlight US government efforts to increase outreach and cooperation with the local business community, as well as to promote public-private partnerships. The award recognizes the contributions businesses make which improve the lives of local and global communities. Past winners include both multinational and small-to-medium size enterprises.

US companies operating overseas are nominated by the American embassy in the country where they are present, and the winners are chosen by the state department principals' award selection committee.

Ardiles holidays at Ramla Bay resort

Marfa, 11/08/09 - Football legend Osvaldo 'Ossie' Ardiles and his wife Silvia chose the Ramla Bay Resort for their recent visit to the Maltese islands.

Just before leaving Ardiles thanked the management and the staff of the four star resort for his “fantastic and relaxing stay”. He also expressed a wish to visit Malta and the Ramla Bay Resort again.

Ardiles is best remembered for his part in the 1978 Argentina world cup squad.

He also had a role in the classic football film Escape to Victory along with football legends Pele and Booby Moore and actors Michael Caine and Sylvester Stallone.

Westin appoint new sales manager

St Julian’s, 05/08/09 - Chiara Ellul has been appointed corporate sales manager at the five star Westin Dragonara Resort.

Ellul holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration hospitality management and graduated from the Glion Hotel School in Switzerland in 2004. She was previously events and corporate sales executive at the Westin, and was later promoted to events manager in June 2006.

Ellul then moved to Australia, where she worked at the Westin Sydney as a business development executive.

“The addition of Chiara to the team will further enable the Westin to strengthen our partnership with our corporate customers – we are extremely proud to have Margaret Sciberras, Wendy Mckay and Chiara on board”, says Edward Bonello, director of sales and marketing

Promotional chopper flights from Heli Tours

Luqa, 04/08/09 - Heli Tours is offering around Malta helicopter tours at the promotional price of €65 per person throughout August.

The tours, using a four-seater Robinson R44, start at Malta International Airport and overfly iconic landmarks such as Dingli Cliffs, Mdina, Valletta and the Grand Harbour and the island’s fortifications (see Heli Tours orders second helicopter).

To book, call 23696442 or email helitours@heli-link-Malta.com.

Abakus Solutions revamps travel suite software

Pieta, 02/08/09 - Abakus Solutions, a web applications development company based in Pieta, are expanding their strategic alliance with Booking & Co, an international company in the business of online solutions to the travel and tourism industry.

The original alliance came around with Abakus Solutions being contracted for the web development components of Addajet, the internet booking engine that plugs into any travel website and combines room inventories with flights from various markets to any destination.

Today’s announcement brings about the facelift of the Abakus Travel Suite which has been renamed Travelsuite Pro and is now being marketed and distributed internationally by Booking & Co.

Travelsuite Pro is an online booking engine for travel service providers and is available in three flavours, the hotels edition for single and multiple accommodations, the excursions edition intended to sell tours online and the airport transfers edition intended to sell airport transfers.

Other editions planned include a flight charter edition, boat charter, events, Cruises and car hire editions.

Prince and DJ stay at Golden Sands

Golden Bay, 01/08/09 - Newly weds Prince Christian zu Schaumburg-Lippe of Denmark and Lena spent their honeymoon at the Radisson SAS Blu Golden Sands Resort & Spa. Prince Christian married Lena Giese on 25 July in a religious ceremony at Glücksburg Castle in Germany.

Meantime, Dutchman Tijs Michiel Verwest, better known as Tiesto and recently voted number one DJ in the world, also chose the Golden Sands Resort & Spa for his stay in Malta. Tiesto was in Malta for a concert.

Comments hotel general manager Raphael Cauchi: “It has once again been a pleasure to be of service to such distinguished guests at our resort. We are committed to do our utmost so that all our guests leave the island impressed with the overall product and levels of service”.

Kempinski San Lawrenz hosts Wii sports launch

San Lawrenz, 01/08/09 - The Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz was the venue for the European launch of Nintendo's latest addition to its Wii game console: Wii Sports Resort, which comes bundled with the brand new MotionPlus accessory.

The launch weekend saw the Kempinski's il-Kappella conference hall buzzing with activity, where international journalists were invited to try their hands at real-life games such as table-tennis, Frisbee and basketball, before sampling their amazingly realistic Wii equivalents which come with Wii Sports Resort.

Besides table tennis and basketball other games in Sports Resort include golf, bowling, swordplay, archery (above left), cycling, wakeboarding and canoeing.

Oprah Winfrey buys brass knockers

Gzira, 01/08/09 - P&A Sullivan organised private tour arrangements for Oprah Winfrey and about a dozen of her friends during her recent visit to Malta. Winfrey was a passenger aboard the Norwegian Gem cruise liner, which had had a number of cabins demolished and converted into a luxury suite to accommodate her.

Although advised some months ago of the visit, the programme was only approved after consulting with Winfrey after her arrival in Malta.

During the day Winfrey visited St John’s Co-Cathedral and museum, the Grandmaster’s Palace, the Valletta market (where she bought a number of brightly coloured head bands from one stall and a pair of Maltese brass knockers for her New York home), the Mdina Glass outlet at Ta’ Qali and then had lunch at Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar.

Robert Pullicino of P&A Sullivan said Winfrey was “very impressed with the Island’s long history and hoped to return for a longer stay sometime in the future”.

The Palace recognizes top producers

Sliema, 01/08/09 – The Palace, the five star boutique hotel, celebrated its second anniversary last night with an eclectic party on its rooftop. Guests included the prime minister and his wife, politicians and the senior management of Malta’s travel industry.

During the evening, Group Hospitality Director of AX Holdings-owned hotels Claire Zammit Xuereb thanked her father, her staff and the trade for their support in helping make The Palace one of the most sought after hotels on the islands.

She also announced that a performance recognition ceremony would henceforth be held annually to reward top producers.

Mementos for best producer at AX-owned properties were the presented to Thos Cook UK for the business it gave the four star Seashells Resort at Suncrest, Thos Cook Germany for The Victoria Hotel, Aviation Seat Brokers for its bookings at the Sunny Coast Resort and Holiday Malta UK for its contribution to The Palace.

Le Méridien presented with Travelife gold award

St Julian’s, 01/08/09 - Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa has been presented with the Gold Standard Award by Travelife.

Travelife is an independent auditor working on behalf of the International Federation of Tour Operators, which represents 13 national associations in Europe. Travelife audit all the various aspects of the hospitality industry, including hotels. The audits focus on energy saving practices, waste management, emissions and environment sustainability principles.

The award is given after an on-site inspection by health and safety auditors, followed by a series of questions to ensure that the benchmarks and criteria established are met. The hotel achieved a total of 456 points out of a maximum of 492, and this high score determined the achievement of the gold award. Participating tourism organisations can automatically reflect the award status with a logo in their brochures, on websites and in other marketing materials.

The driving force behind Le Méridien St Julians’ successful application was Joseph Zammit, chief security officer and also the hotel’s health and safety executive. Asked for his comments, Zammit said: “It is extremely satisfying to achieve such a prestigious award. The process was incredibly detailed, and I feel very proud that the hotel has received this certification.”

Le Méridien’s general manager Angela Saliba was also instrumental in giving her advice and feedback: “Apart from the satisfaction and kudos gained, this award underlines Le Méridien St Julians’ commitment towards the brand’s goals to score highly in environment sustainability in the hospitality sector”.

VISET for global awards

Valletta, 01/08/09 - VISET Malta has been shortlisted for Lloyd’s List Global Awards 2009. As operators of the Valletta Waterfront and the cruise and ferry terminals, VISET is a finalist for the port operator award, following considerable investment during the past year.

The ceremony, to be held in London on 8 September, will see 22 awards presented to industry achievers from all segments of the maritime business, with a special lifetime achievement award going to the person who has dedicated his life to the cause of business excellence, safety and environmental issues.

Radisson Golden Sands and Paradise Bay Resort eco certified, seven more on list

Valletta, 13/07/09 - Two hotels have just joined the Malta Tourism Authority’s eco-certification scheme following a detailed environmental audit.

The certificate and glass plaque were presented to the Radisson Blu Golden Sands Resort & Spa and to the Paradise Bay Resort Hotel by the parliamentary secretary for tourism Mario de Marco and MTA CEO Josef Formosa Gauci.

De Marco said that eco-certification has grown in popularity in the last 12 months, partly due to the ever-increasing importance that hotel management and consumers have been giving the environment.

“This can be confirmed from a survey carried out this year by the Malta Tourism Authority with a sample size of 500 tourists. From the people interviewed over 47 per cent stated that they consider environmental issues when booking their accommodation whilst almost 57 per cent of the sample is willing to pay an average of eight per cent more for eco-friendly accommodation”, de Marco explained.

There are now 14 eco-certified hotels with a further seven that have been audited, but still require some more time to meet all the necessary criteria, de Marco explained. “Once these seven hotels get certified we will have over 30 per cent of the available bed stock from eco-certified hotels”.

He stressed that while the scheme is very popular amongst five star properties, and there is a fair share of interest amongst four star hotels, more two and three star hotels are being encouraged to apply for certification.

Currently there are only two eco-certified three star hotels as opposed to six five star and six four star hotels. The hotels that have been audited, but have yet to be certified, are also in the four and five star categories.

The MTA’s eco-certification scheme has succeeded in encouraging hotels to deliver a better product and to meet the demand of the evermore environmentally aware tourist. To participate, hotels must comply with a number of criteria, all aimed at improving an hotel’s environmental performance and increasing environmental awareness amongst employees.

In contrast with the success of eco certification, the MTA’s other programme - known as the Quality Service Audit and launched in 2006 - has been a complete flop with only two properties applying for it.

Vaccum cleaner salespeople meet at MCC

Valletta, 13/07/09 - Italian vacuum cleaner manufacturer Vorwerk Folletto chose Malta as the location for its annual Festa Nazionale della Vendita, where its best salespeople in Italy got rewarded for their efforts in 2008.

Held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre and organised by Sliema-based DMC Colours of Malta, the three-day event took place in May.

Kempinski San Lawrenz spa adds Terraké

San Lawrenz, 01/07/09 – To coincide with its tenth anniversary, the five star Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz introduced the exclusive Terraké brand by Thalgo to its spa.

“Thalgo is choosing only the finest resorts around the world to carry its Terraké brand, and the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz is delighted to have been selected exclusively in the Maltese islands”, said Noel Attard, the Kempinski’s general manager.

“However, the introduction of Terraké to our spa does not simply mean there’s just another brand on sale”, he added.

Terraké treatments use a holistic approach, where the ambience plays an equally important role, together with products and techniques, in the effects of complete relaxation, well-being and regeneration. The therapists at the Kempinski spa have been trained to pass on the remarkable effects of Terraké.

Renaissance at Montekristo

Hal Farrug, 08/06/09 - Renaissance is the latest venue at the Montekristo estates. Built around a central pavilion and supported by five columns, Renaissance is an all marble “jewel box” decorated with mosaic reproductions of paintings by Giorgione, Caravaggio and other great masters.

Designed to accommodate some 500-seated guests and more than 3,000 standing, it is equipped with a state of the art light and sound system. Renaissance can also be converted into a unique club with its own elevated DJ booth.

The venue has its own entrance, but can also be accessed from the Montekristo Wine Vaults through Calypso's Lair. These three venues combined “create a uniquely, mythical setting with unending possibilities for very large functions”.

The Montekristo estates, meantime, incorporate 3,800 square metres of vineyards, a charming winery, built exclusively with old stone, in the style of a 16th Century country manor and a number of indoor and outdoor venues covering an area of more than 6,000 square metres.

These venues include the Wine Vaults, Calypso's Lair, the Arena (where the Knights Spectacular dinner show is held), Misrah Dielja, the Roof Garden, the Auditorium, the Wine Bar, the Alcoves, Les Ecuries and the Foyer.

Venues at the Montekristo estates are available for all types of events and more information is available from MK Leisure, operators of the estates, at www.mkleisure.com.

Kempinski San Lawrenz celebrates 10th anniversary

San Lawrenz, 08/06/09 - Having opened its doors as the San Lawrenz Leisure Resort on 29 June 1999, the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz is celebrating its tenth anniversary later this month.

For the first two years, the five star resort was privately managed by its owner, Joseph Baldacchino, until the Kempinski Hotel Group took over the management in 2001.

Today, the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz is internationally renowned as a hideaway resort, the Gozitan countryside location being one of its unique selling points.

Under Kempinski management, the existing spa was extended and the first Ayurveda centre in the Mediterranean was introduced.

On the occasion of the anniversary celebrations, Thalgo’s new and innovative spa brand Terraké will be launched, which will also be exclusive to the Kempinski spa.

A special package deal marks the anniversary celebration, with double rooms being charged at single room rates throughout June and July, and guests who are staying overnight on 29 June will receive a special treat in their rooms.

Last but not least, three prizes are going to be raffled among correct entries to a competition; first prize is a weekend for two at the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz. Details of the competition are available on the hotel’s site at www.kempinski-gozo.com. The winners will be drawn during a reception at the hotel on 29 June.

Corinthia St George’s open new grill

St Julian’s, 08/06/09 – A new restaurant has opened at the five star Corinthia Hotel St George's Bay. Grill 3301 – named after the area’s postcode – has a “sophisticated, warm ambiance and stunning views of the sea”.

Grill 3301 focuses on fresh fish and seafood plus “a delicious selection of prime cut beef and a wide portfolio of quality wines to choose from”.

This latest eatery at the Corinthia is open for dinner from Tuesdays to Sundays.

Le Méridien St Julians appoints new DSM and DS

St Julian’s, 07/06/09 - Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa has a new have director of sales and marketing, Jeffrey Cutajar (far left), and a new director of sales, Mark Muscat De Celis (left).

Cutajar, a graduate of the University of London who holds an MA in international tourism policy and marketing, brings a wealth of experience to the post, having been involved with selling Malta since 1983. He served in several senior positions at the Malta Tourism Authority until the end of 2006. In the past couple of years he acted as an independent tourism consultant.

“This is a completely new experience for me”, said Cutajar. “Although I have been involved with selling Malta overseas for the past 23 years, it is the first time I am being involved with the marketing of a premier hotel”, he added.

Muscat De Celis, meantime, is an old Starwood hand; having held posts at both the Westin Dragonara Resort and Le Méridien St Julians. He was involved in the opening of Le Méridien St Julians, after which he did a brief stint at Le Méridien Lav, Split, in Croatia. Returning to the islands, he was groups sales manager at the Hilton Malta.

Le Méridien’s general manager, Angela Saliba welcomed the new appointments: “This is a very exciting time for us. The mix of experience and youth that we have employed here should strengthen an already strong team”.

De Marco visits new edition of the Malta Experience

Valletta, 07/06/09 - The Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism Dr Mario De Marco accompanied by MTA’s Chief Executive Josef Formosa Gauci recently visited the Malta Experience audio-visual show, housed at the Mediterranean Conference Centre.

The visit served to acknowledge the company’s successful development throughout its 29-year history and introduced the latest edition of the AV show. This, the fifth edition, introduces the sea as the main theme linking the islands’ history.

The audio-visual spectacular is an excellent reproduction relating the island’s history spanning 7,000 years of varied civilisations, defeats and triumphs leading to EU accession. The attraction uses a panoramic (10 metre wide) screen to project sensational images of Malta with re-enacted motion clips interspersed throughout the show, now possible by the use of digital technology.

“This latest version is also an opportunity for the local population to visit the attraction, be they newcomers or repeat visitors, to relive our most impressive past” commented general manager Mercieca.

The Malta Experience is a subsidiary company of the M Demajo Group.

Flyaway Tours launch short-break summer offers

Luqa, 07/06/09 - Flyaway Tours, Air Malta’s package holidays, have just launched two short-break holidays to Sicily and Istanbul for the summer.

The Fantastic Sicilian Breaks offer starts at €199 per person, and includes return flights from Malta to Catania, two nights accommodation in hotels/club on bed and breakfast basis including taxes and charges. This offer is available for accommodation in Catania, Taormina or Pedara.

The Istanbul Specials starts lead-in at €226 per person and include return airfare to the Turkish city, three nights in a twin sharing accommodation on bed and breakfast basis as well as all applicable taxes.

Commenting about the launch of this offer Brian Bartolo, KM’s general manager marketing and product said: “Once again, the airline is offering another opportunity to its customers wishing to travel for short breaks during this summer at unbeatable prices. Flyaway Tours has long been a popular choice with those seeking a quick getaway, whether for business or pleasure. These packages are being offered at very affordable prices”.

Offers are limited and subject to availability, and are valid for travel until 31 October and must be booked and ticketed by the end of June 2009.

Riu Seabank sponsor Mellieha powerboat race weekend

Mellieha, 05/06/09 – The Mellieha Powerboat Grand prix will be held on 27 and 28 June at Mellieha Bay. Some 25 boats, in four classes, will be competing.

Control and wet pits will be situated at the Tunny Net Complex, and qualifying rounds on Saturday will determine the starting positions for the main race on Sunday. On both days the competition will start at 12:00.

Special guest driver and three-time world champion Miles Jennings will be competing in several races.

The Malta Powerboat Association, RYA Powerboat Racing, the Hotel Riu Seabank and the Tunny Net Complex, with the support of Mellieha Local Council, are sponsoring the two-day event.

MTA organise service excellence conference

Valletta, 05/06/09 - The Malta Tourism Authority will be organising a half-day conference titled service excellence in the tourism industry on 23 June at the Radisson SAS Bay Point Resort in St Julian’s.

The conference aims to spread a vision for a customer focused tourism industry, which is a major challenge for tourism SMEs. Acquiring new skills will ultimately help in building a better industry workforce.

Ray Dempsey, general manager at the Old Jameson Distillery will illustrate the success behind the Jameson Experience and show how an entrepreneur can achieve consistent service excellence.

Aidan Harte, managing director of Optimum Results, will interact with the audience on critical actions to champion business hurdles.

The event will also serve as a platform to familiarise the audience with the Merhba Trainers’ Resource Pack, tourism awareness and customer care trainer’s toolkit. This pack has been developed to serve as a training aid for managers of tourism establishments and tourism-related support services to train their staff.

To attend the conference call Stephanie Rocco on 2291 5125 or email training@visitmalta.com.

Kempinski San Lawrenz appoints new managers

San Lawrenz, 04/06/09 - A number of new people have been added to the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz’s management team.

Nicole Ross (left), born in Germany, has taken over the post of food and beverage manager. After an apprenticeship in the hotel industry at the Maritim Hotel in Stuttgart, Ross held various positions in luxury hotels in Germany before becoming assistant food and beverage manager of the Kilimanjaro Hotel Kempinski, Tanzania, in 2004, and holding the same position at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi from January 2007 until her move to Gozo the spring of this year.

At the end of April, meanwhile, Cindy Conrad was appointed human resources and training manager of the San Lawrenz.

Conrad (left) is Swiss and studied at the Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne, and then graduated with a bachelor in tourism management from the Höhere Fachschule für Tourismus in Switzerland. She started her career with Kempinski with internships in Sicily before moving to Dubai as a management trainee in the regional people management office. In 2008 she moved to the Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains as assistant HR manager, during which time she also helped in the pre-opening of the Kempinski Palace Portoroz, and Kempinski Pragelato Village.

Gozo-born Natasha Grech (left) was promoted to assistant spa manager after having worked as a beauty therapist at the San Lawrenz since 2006. Grech has extensive experience in spa and beauty therapies as well as massage techniques, including an ITEC diploma in foot reflexology.

 

Gingell Littlejohn appointed DSM at InterConti

St Julian’s, 04/06/09 - Christopher Gingell Littlejohn (left) has been appointed director of sales and marketing at InterContinental Malta.

Before his promotion, Gingell Littlejohn, 33, was the hotel’s revenue manager. He previously held various sales manager positions within the InterContinental Hotels Group at the Crowne Plaza in Malta and did a stint at the InterContinental London Park Lane.

Having graduated in politics and economics from the University of Malta, Gingell Littlejohn joined the tourism industry in 1998, where he worked for a local destination management company.

“My position as director of sales and marketing is in itself exceedingly challenging. There is a belief that we’re going places, and it’s great to be able to contribute towards a sustained success”, he says.

MTA renews sponsorship of Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti

Valletta, 03/06/09 - The Malta Tourism Authority is sponsoring, for the ninth year, the Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti.

In a brief presentation held at the authority’s office, MTA chairman Sam Mifsud (pictured far left) presented the sponsorship cheque to Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti’s president Maurice de Giorgio (pictured left).

Mifsud praised the work carried out by the Foundation and said “it is instrumental in continuing to strengthen Malta’s image overseas as a destination with a unique heritage”.

De Girogio thanked the MTA for its continuous support and said that “it is only thanks to benefactors like the MTA that the foundation can continue with its work”.

Veteran Corinthia Palace maitre calls it a day

Balzan, 01/06/09 - Thirty three years of “service with a reassuring smile” come to an end for long-serving Corinthia Room restaurant manager Anthony Rapa (pictured far left with hotel GM Italo Rota in the centre and Rayomd Vella) as he goes into retirement this month.

Rapa joined the Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa as restaurant manager of the then Al-Hana Restaurant and Nightclub in 1976. He was later handed the stewardship of the Corinthia Room Restaurant, which he has since helped take to the very pinnacle of fine dining in Malta.

Corinthia Room’s regular patrons will miss Rapa’s welcoming charm and his attention to detail, but they need not worry, as the baton passes on to yet another experienced Corinthia stalwart - Raymond Vella, who has been Rapa’s right hand man for the last 10 years, and who boasts an equally impressive service industry background.

Granny’s Inn named best Malta hostel

Sliema, 30/05/09 - Granny's Inn Hostel, which only opened last August, has already won an award as the best hostel in Malta in 2008 from Hostelworld.com.

Family-run Granny's Inn accommodates up to 20 people in rooms sleeping from one to six. The hostel only accepts guests who are 20 years old or older.

Rooms come equipped with bunk beds, have ceiling fans and heating, wash basins, a refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities.

Public amenities in this city-centre hostel include free WiFi, two computers with online access, TV room, two terraces, a fully stocked vending machine, laundry and luggage storage.

Dublin-based Hostelworld.com, meantime, was set up in 1999 to provide online bookings for hostels, budget accommodation centres and package tours, as well as comprehensive content such as city and country guides. It bills itself as “the ultimate backpacker resource centre”.

It was at this year’s HOSCARS (HOStelworld Customer Annual Ratings) ceremony, held in Dublin, that Granny’s Inn was named best hostel in Malta in 2008.

For more information on Granny’s Inn Hostel, go to www.grannysinn.com.

Galmbacher joins Maritim sales team

Mellieha, 28/05/09 - German-born Brigitte Galmbacher has just been appointed sales and marketing manager of the four star Maritim Antonine Hotel and Spa.

Galmbacher arrived in Malta in 1996 from Cologne and was employed by Alpine Travel as a reservations executive, dealing with the German market. Over the years her responsibilities grew and included the handling of British and Norwegian tour operators. She also spent time as an executive in Alpine’s conference and incentives department.

After a 13-year stint with the San Gwann-based company, she was offered the job at the German-managed Maritim.

Air Malta donates €11,750 to charity

Luqa, 22/05/09 - Air Malta chief executive Joe Cappello, recently presented €11,750 to Fr Martin Micallef, director of Id-Dar Tal-Providenza during a presentation held at the airline’s head office.

This donation was collected from Air Malta employees who in 2008 chose to donate money to this organisation by having it deducted from their salaries. The airline then matched the sum collected from employees.

Brussels embassy embarks on tourism promotion

Brussels, 20/05/09 – Malta’s embassy in Brussels has held a series of initiatives to assist in the promotion of the islands’ tourism in Belgium.

One of the first projects was to encourage greater visibility and information on Maltese culture and tourism in the Belgian media. To this end the ambassador, Pierre Clive Agius. met with the editors of six magazines ranging from fashion to lifestyle to culture. The embassy was also involved in the realisation of press trips by Belgian journalists to Malta.

The embassy also approached the Office of the Minister for Training of Wallonia to lobby for the inclusion of Malta in the list of recognised countries where government-subsidised students can travel to learn English. The government of Wallonia sees retraining and the acquiring of new skills, including linguistic, as a way of increasing job market flexibility that is considered as an important tool to face the challenges of increasing unemployment caused by the current economic crisis. The embassy is coordinating with the Malta Tourism Authority and with English language schools here on this initiative.

Meantime, the embassy is planning to organise, in collaboration with Air Malta and the Maltese trade, a workshop targeted especially for incentive travel

Westin Dragonara launches healthy breakfast

St Julian’s, 15/05/09 - The Westin Dragonara Resort is introducing the Superfoods concept.

As part of its “ongoing commitment to personal renewal”, Westin has teamed up with SuperFoods Partners to become the first hotel chain to introduce SuperFoods Rx into their menus.

Superfoods “known for being health-enhancing and rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients will be the main ingredient in a selection of Westin signature dishes and Westin Breakfast”.

Superfoods “are foods that are considered best for providing the most disease-fighting and health-enhancing benefits due to their high nutrients and antioxidants content”.

The Westin Dragonara Resort is now also offering Superfoods RX breakfast to the local market. Companies are being offered packages whereby one can start with a Superfoods breakfast and then move on to their meeting. Superfoods breakfast is served on a daily basis from 06:30 to 10:30.

Malta to focus on pharmaceutical conferences

Valletta, 12/05/09 - The Malta Tourism Authority’s meetings and incentives division held a seminar for members of the local travel trade last month in a bid to raise awareness about regulations for pharmaceutical industry meetings. The importance of these seminars is even more pronounced in the light of the current economic climate. Companies are postponing or cancelling their conferences and incentive events, due to the international economic downturn. The destination's competitiveness - which remains a crucial factor - is reliant on the local suppliers' knowledge of the markets they are dealing with, the MTA says.

During this seminar the head of research division, Tania Sultana announced that 2008 was a record year for the number of MICE delegates hosted in Malta, since there was a 14 per cent increase over 2007, reaching the 70,000 delegates mark. However, the present international economic difficulties have affected this niche market and fewer groups are being confirmed. In these circumstances, marketing efforts should focus on reaching out to the pharmaceutical industry, since it a very stable and strong sector that has continued to organise its meetings and incentives, especially due to the ever-changing nature of the industry.

Tina Fegent, a British marketing consultant, went through a detailed presentation about the nature of the pharmaceutical industry and its stringent requirements.

Suzanne Cassar Dimech, the MICE segment head, said that: “The MTA organised this seminar to ensure that Malta’s product offer, is handled by suppliers knowledgeable of regulations and be in a position to create a fit between what the destination can offer and the requirements of the business”.

New GM at InterContinental Malta

St Julian’s, 11/05/09 - Giuseppe Vincelli, 39, has been appointed general manager of InterContinental Malta, replacing Marco Frik.

Vincelli (left), who is Italian, has been working in the tourism industry for more than 21 years. In 2004 he joined the InterContinental Hotels Group as director of business development based at the InterContinental De La Ville in Rome and was then appointed hotel manager of the hotel two years later.

Last year he moved to Murica, Spain, as GM of the InterContinental Mar Menor Golf Resort & Spa as well as the InterContinental La Torre Golf Resort, also in Murcia.

In Malta Vincelli’s goal is to position the InterContinental as “the conference hotel and at the same time, be strongly considered as the ideal hotel for leisure and corporate individual travellers”.

 

 

Whistles on show

Mdina, 08/05/09 - The first in a series of small, but highly focused temporary exhibitions about unusual themes has just opened at Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum in Mdina. Whistles: from ritual to toys brings together more than 150 whistles from Maltese private and museum collections, ranging from antique Maltese whistles to bird calls, in a huge variety of materials and shapes. A full colour brochure accompanies the exhibition, which will run until 21 June 2009.

Entrance to the whistles exhibition is free, and is open from 10:00 to 16:00 from Tuesday to Sunday.

Sixt inaugurates new airport stand

Luqa, 07/05/09 - Sixt Malta has just inaugurated a new stand, the first of its kind, on the first floor of the arrivals section at the Malta International Airport.

The opening of the stand coincided with the 10th anniversary of Sixt operations in Malta.

A taste of Malta in the heart of London

London, 07/05/09 - Meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) organisers recently gathered at Meza, a top London restaurant to sample Maltese delicacies as part of the Malta Tourist Office’s Taste of Malta evening.

The evening gave MICE organisers in the UK the chance to sample some of the Mediterranean’s best cuisine as well as meet and talk to the large number of Maltese DMCs, hotels and conference venues that were present to showcase their services.

Whilst enjoying specialities such as figolli, local goats’ cheese and wine, UK-based organisers were shown why the islands have been winning accolades from impressed clients as they seek to establish themselves as the Mediterranean destination of choice for MICE organisers.

ETC publish new tourism trends and prospects surveys

Brussels, 06/05/09 - It is now clear that the financial-sector blizzard that struck in the second half of 2008 is affecting the global economy. Every single OECD member country, and every single economy in Europe, is expected to suffer a contraction in GDP in 2009.

Not many emerging markets, so many of which were booming in 2007 and 2008 will be able to sustain any significant growth in 2009, either. And the downturn is expected to be more severe than any in recent memory.

Given the inevitable impact of the economic and financial crisis on business and consumer confidence, as well as on demand for travel and tourism, the European Travel Commission (ETC)'s Market Intelligence Group (chaired by Malta’s Leslie Vella) decided that it was important to monitor trends affecting tourism demand on a more frequent basis. Consequently, the ETC has just published the first in a series of new quarterly reports, European Tourism 2009: Trends and Prospects, which forms part of the commission’s regular reports monitoring developments in Europe's travel and tourism.

This new publication is a prime example of the ETC's objective of consolidating its role as the authoritative voice of European tourism. The ETC's Market Intelligence Group network brings together a distinguished team of tourism research professionals drawn from the association's membership - 39 national tourism organisations in Europe. The main value of the report is that it focuses very specifically on the European tourism dimension.

For the full report go to http://www.etc-corporate.org/resources/uploads/ETC-Insights-Q12009-web.pdf.

President visits Corinthia Palace

Balzan, 01/05/09 - On 1 May George Abela, the recently elected president of Malta, visited the Corinthia Palace Hotel and Spa to meet employees at their place of work.

Company director Joe Pisani greeted the president – whose official residence is just across the road from the hotel - and showed him around the newely refurbished hotel. After the showround, Abela met all the management and staff for a drink in the Caprice Lounge.

In a short speech, the president highlighted the impact the private sector has on the local economy, as well as the importance of management and staff reaching a balanced and mutual understanding for the benefit of both sides as well as that of their families. At the end of his visit, Abela was presented with a silver plate to mark the occassion.

Malta appoints Nina Ruge as VIP ambassador for Germany

Valletta, 01/05/09 - The Malta Tourism Authority has appointed the popular German TV hostess and author Nina Ruge (left) as one of Malta’s VIP ambassadors for the German market. She will provide German travellers with a better understanding of the diversity the islands offer.

To kick-off her ambassadorship she will be producing, together with the MTA’s Frankfurt office, a brochure highlighting her ‘secret’ tips for getting the most out of a holiday in Malta and Gozo.

Joseph Galea, the MTA’s director international marketing remarked that “with Ruge we have found a Malta fan who is a very convincing ambassador, and enjoys an excellent standing in Germany for many years.

“She is very passionate about Malta and we are convinced that Nina Ruge will give German travellers a very good understanding of the various facets of our islands, such as history and culture, culinary aspects and also the numerous wellness and sports facilities”.

Former Sheraton and Dragonara employees reunite

St Julian’s, 01/05/09 - A reunion was recently held at The Westin Dragonara Resort’s Palio’s Restaurant by former Sheraton and Dragonara Hotel staffers.

The event took place at the same place where a number of these employees started working at the Sheraton Malta Hotel in the summer of 1967. Over the years a number lost contact, however a small group are still working at the same location, now the Westin Dragonara Resort. The event turned out to be very successful, were old colleagues and friends reunited and shared their experiences.

George Cross award ceremony to be re-enacted

Valletta, 08/04/09 - The Malta Tourism Authority is organising a commemorative evening recalling the award of the George Cross to Malta on Tuesday, 15 April on Palace Square in Valletta.

The audio visual performance will include some 50 re-enactors, accompanied by a set of projected slides as well as a narration that will bring to life the eventful occasion that took place exactly in the same square in 1942.

The show will start at 20:00and admission is free. Seating will be available on request.

For further information call 22915440

Fatal ladies to perform at Corinthia

St Julian’s, 08/04/09 - The Corinthia Hotel St George’s Bay will be holding a dinner concert on 18 April where Czech violin sensation Femme 2 Fatale (left) will perform in cabaret.

The price tag is €29.50 per person and includes an extensive hot and cold international buffet starting at 19:30 and the participation of the Vinnie Vella orchestra, with local vocalists Andreana and Debbie Scerri.

The violin duo Femme 2 Fatale - Eva Slana and Lucie Klasek – will perform later in the evening. Their act “consists of a fusion of classical, rock, pop and jazz music and an exciting dance routine, that together celebrate the female spirit, beauty and grace on the one hand and a merciless burning passion on the other”.

Call the Corinthia Hotel on 21374114 for reservations.

Egyptian-born GM for Corinthia hotel in St Petersburg

Floriana, 01/04/09 - Malta-based CHI Hotels & Resorts (CHI) has appointed Asaad Farag as the new general manager of its renovated five star Corinthia Hotel St Petersburg.

Farag’s most recent appointment was that of general manager of the 770-room IHG Hotel in Time Square, New York. Before that, he was the general manager of the Conrad Hotel & Conference Centre in Istanbul. He also managed the Regent Hotel & Spa on Wall Street, New York, operated by Carlson Hospitality, The Turnberry Place Resort in Las Vegas and The St Regis Hotel in Los Angeles.

In his earlier career US national Farag was a vice president of the MGM Grand Las Vegas, director of F&B at the Beverly Hills Hotel California and executive director of F&B at the Plaza Hotel New York. In addition, he held various senior management positions with Ritz Carlton and Walt Disney Groups. Farag is a trustee of the Five Star Diamond American Hospitality of Science and a member of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. He is a graduate of the Helwan University in Cairo, Egypt.

The Corinthia Hotel St Petersburg, which first opened its doors in July 1993 after the renovation of two historic 19th century buildings in the heart of St Petersburg, was acquired by International Hotel Investments (IHI) in 2002 and joined the Corinthia Hotels brand of upscale properties throughout Europe and the Mediterranean basin. The hotel is operated by CHI Hotels & Resorts and features in the Wyndham Grand Collection, a collection of artfully appointed hotels representing one-of-a-kind experiences in unique destinations around the world.

The second phase of the project now nearing completion will see the extension and integration of the main building into the adjoining building at 59, Nevskij Prospect. This extension will add another 107 executive guestrooms to the hotel, together with a 250 square-metre presidential suite, bringing the hotel’s total inventory to 390 rooms, together with a new executive lounge.