The buzz about Malta

Travel to Malta

As we push forward into a brand new year it seems the Maltese islands are making headlines in the press and on social media. Ranked #3 in the New York Times “52 Places to go in 2016” it’s looking a lot like Malta’s hit the big time with renowned travel writers and journalists giving it the thumbs up. So why all the sudden heat? A number of reasons have been brought to light along with the islands’ fair share of celebrity hosting and recognition.

Malta’s hit the big time with renowned travel writers and journalists

For starters, Malta’s capital city Valletta is and has been in recent years attracting much attention as it approaches its 450th Anniversary this year. In preparation for this historical event, the city which has been prestigiously named the cultural capital of Europe has also retained much of its former glory through undergoing a series of recent, architectural projects including an open-air opera theatre by renowned architect Renzo Piano, as well as a new city gate and parliament building. The city of Valletta currently holds its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site which further entices visitors from Europe and the rest of the world.

Aside from its remarkable history which in itself showcases the Maltese islands as a prime hot spot for tourists, news of famous visitors – the likes of whom have made it to our shores in recent months is turning up the heat on the world’s celebrity radar and calling out for further media attention.  These tiny islands made up of Malta, Gozo and Comino situated right in the heart of the Mediterranean where locals go about their daily lives at a seemingly slower pace than other countries in Europe, have been struck by an electric current of some rather press explosive events occurring one after the other.  A few famous faces who adorned our nation just last year are Hollywood super couple Brad and Angelina who filmed “By the Sea” in Gozo which they used as a romantic set location for Southern France and at the same time honeymooned there accompanied by their six children.  Seeming as if the newlywed theme was beginning to catch on – a second newlywed couple arrived in Malta, this time it was confirmed in the news that English actor, comedian, author and cultural extraordinaire Stephen Fry best known for his lead film role as Oscar Wilde from the motion picture “Wilde”  had stopped over for a few days in Malta with spouse and comedian Elliot Spencer.

The Queen returns to Malta…

As if this concoction of famous faces and media attention wasn’t enough – the year 2015 ended when Malta and Gozo played host to the Commonwealth Heads of State and at the same time welcoming a visit from the British Monarchy.  Heading an impressive line-up of world leaders and politicians including UK Prime Minister David Cameron and Australian Prime Minister Michael Turnbull was Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.  Excitable locals lined the streets hoping to catch a glimpse of the longest reigning British monarch while the rest of the island endured temporary traffic restrictions and diversions for this historical event.  Meanwhile, the Commonwealth ceremony was being held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta. Here the Queen addressed the crowd where many important figures including politicians and heads of state from 52 countries had gathered – paying tribute to the Commonwealth as a whole and momentarily singling Malta out as a small state that has shown much strength as a nation.

So to end sincerely and with a poignant message from Her Majesty the Queen, in her own words:

“Since my first experience of Malta in 1949 as a young woman, I have seen this country evolve into a strong nation which plays an important role on the world stage.”

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