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What makes the perfect conference and incentive destination?
• Easy access from European
gateways
• Beautiful scenery, plenty of local colour
• Quality hotels
• A dry, warm climate, beaches, water sports and a clear sea
• An interesting history
• No language harriers
• Good communications
• Modern conference facilities backed by exceptional staff
Mediterranean Conference
Centre in the Capital City Valletta |
Malta has all this and more
Malta, a group of three small islands at the very centre of the Mediterranean - only 95 kilometres south of Sicily - has been attracting conference and incentive groups for years and a great variety of other visitors for centuries.
Until the late 1980s, Malta was almost a well-kept secret. Since then, the country launched a major drive to promote the islands as the ideal venue for conferences, incentives and special interest travel. Massive investments were made to enhance both the variety of programmes and the range and quality of facilities.
Malta became a Member of the European Union in May 2004 and is just a few hours
by air from major European cities. For example 1hr 30m from Rome, 3h 40mins from
London and major UK airports , Frankfurt and most German airports. Most of the
routes are served by the National carrier, Air Malta and other airlines also service direct scheduled flights.
DMCD members have extensive experience in responding to the high standards demanded by the discerning travellers' needs with regards to accommodation, meeting facilities, tours, excursions, restaurants, entertainment and special events.
Combine this with Malta's scenic beauty, rich historic legacy, excellent climate and friendly, relaxed people and, no wonder, Malta hosts thousands of satisfied visitors annually. |
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Island's
Profile
Malta, at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, is replete with history and colour. Blessed with year-round sunshine and a temperate climate, it is a popular, friendly destination. It is
also possible to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as golf, tennis, and cycling. Water sports enthusiasts will find all they need: swimming, wind surfing, water skiing, scuba diving and sailing. Trekking and walks around the Maltese countryside in winter provide a glimpse of the islands' innate beauty. Maltese festa, a combination of religious festivity and popular celebration, are colourful and spectacular events that should not be missed.
Geography
The Maltese archipelago consists of three inhabited islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino and two other uninhabited islands. They lie in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, 95 kilometres south of Sicily and 288 kilometres north of Africa. The total area is 316 square kilometres (Malta - 246; Gozo - 67; Comino - 3).
Malta has neither mountains nor rivers. Characterised by a series of low hills with terraced fields on their slopes, Malta's coastline has harbours, bays, creeks, sandy and rocky beaches and coves. There are 137 square kilometres of shoreline. The longest distance in Malta, from the south-east to the north-west, is 27 kilometres, and the widest distance is 14 kilometres in an east-westerly direction.
Gozo, the island of the nymph Calypso, is smaller than its sister island Malta. The countryside is greener, more spectacular and has a distinct character. Flat-topped hills dot the landscape, while the coast has rugged cliffs penetrated by steep valleys and beautiful bays. More rustic and quieter than Malta, it is 14 kilometres long and 7 kilometres at its widest point.
The smallest island, Comino, is home to a handful of farmers. Neither cars nor noisy activities disturb the peace. The many bays and rocky coves in Comino, plus its crystal clear water, are ideal for watersports such as snorkelling and diving. There is a regular ferry service to Comino.
Climate
There is no fog, snow or frost in Malta. There is an average rainfall of 51 centimetres annually. Sunshine averages 6.46 hours in winter and 10.11 hours in summer. The hottest period is July to September. Nights are regularly tempered by cool sea breezes.
Time
Malta is one hour ahead of GMT. |
 History
The first inhabitants came from Sicily, and settled on the islands around 5000BC. The megalithic temple builders reached the islands in about 4000BC. The unique megalithic temples, which pre-date England's Stonehenge, were erected between 3600BC and 2500BC. However, the civilisation that built them soon disappeared, and Bronze Age settlers moved in.
The Phoenicians, who used Malta's harbour as a centre for their trading activities, arrived in the 8th century BC. The entry of the Carthaginians increased the islands' strategic importance and attracted the attention of Rome. In 218BC Titus Sempronius Longus captured it for Rome, starting an occupation that lasted more than 1,000 years.
St Paul, who was shipwrecked here in 60AD, introduced Christianity to Malta. History is not clear about the later stages of the Roman occupation, but it is generally believed that the fourth and fifth centuries AD were a prosperous era for the Maltese.
Once again, ownership of the islands changed hands, with the Byzantine Empire taking over this time, towards the end of the sixth century until 870AD when they capitulated to the Aghlabid governor of Muslim Sicily. The influence of the Arabs lasted long after the incursion in Malta by the Norman Count Roger in 1091.
A succession of European dynasties ruled the islands until 1530 when Charles V of Spain ceded Malta to the Order of St. John. The most well known event in Maltese history occurred in 1565, when the Order, together with the Maltese, heroically resisted the Turkish attacks, popularly known as the Great Siege. The Order eventually capitulated to Napoleon in 1798, but the French occupation was very brief. The Maltese, together with British naval forces, ousted Napoleon's troops from the islands.
British rule lasted from 1801 to 1964, when the Maltese islands gained their independence. Malta became a republic in 1974.
GENERAL
INFORMATION
Government
Malta has a democratic system of government. Elections are held every five years. The titular head of state is the president who is appointed by the House of Representatives. Legislative power lies in the hands of the House of Representatives. The prime minister and the cabinet exercise executive power.
People
The population of Malta is approximately 380,000.
Language
Maltese and English are official languages in Malta. Italian is widely spoken with a good knowledge of French and German available.
Religion
The great majority of Maltese are Roman Catholic, but the Maltese constitution guarantees freedom of worship. There are churches belonging to various other religious denominations.
Currency
Malta became the
smallest member of the euro zone at the stroke of midnight on Tuesday
1st January 2008
Malta became the 14th country to
join the euro zone, having joined the European Union in 2004 with eight
other countries.
Malta's exchange rate has been fixed at 0.43 lira to the euro since it joined
the European exchange rate mechanism in May 2005.
Euro zone states are Malta's most important trading partners and euro adoption
is seen benefiting its large tourism sector.
There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency one may bring into Malta, provided it is declared on arrival. Major credit cards, travellers' cheques and
Euro cheques, are accepted at most hotels, leading shops and
restaurants. Exchnage or fund transfer srvcies such as FEDEX , Western Union
as also available.
Banks
Banks offer all the services that are offered in the main financial centres. All major banks in most countries have either a direct contact or a correspondent relationship with local commercial banks and the Central Bank of Malta.
Foreign exchange facilities are available at the international airport on a 24-hour basis all year round and at most banks during the week. There are also a number of automated foreign exchange machines and automated teller machines throughout the islands.
Dining
Maltese gastronomy is varied and offers a number of local dishes and delicacies worth tasting. They include various fish, meat and other Mediterranean specialities. There are a wide variety of good and reasonably priced Maltese wines. Foreign wines are also available. Maltese beer is excellent and foreign beers, although more expensive, are also available. Bars, restaurants, and cafes open between 9.00 am and 1.00 am and beyond. Restaurants are not open before 11.30 am and between 3.00 pm. and 7.00 pm.
There is a great selection of bars, wine bars, night clubs and entertainment spots that one can choose from in the Maltese islands. These places are open until the early hours of the morning.
Electricity
Electric supply is 240 volts, single phase, .50 cycle. Square fitting, standard three-pin British plugs and sockets are used.
Entry requirements
Commonwealth countries, UK dependencies and members of the Council of Europe do not require a visa. For further information, contact the Maltese embassy or
consul or the tourist office in your country.
Shopping
Shops are open between 9.00 am and 1.00 pm with a three to four hour afternoon break.
Many shops, especially in tourist areas and during Summer especially are open
till 10.00 pm and even open on public holidays and Sundays. Night Clubs and
other night entertainment spots are usually open till 3.00am.
Taxis
Their all-white livery and indicative number plates identify taxis. Black taxis usually indicate that they are part of a network and are usually more cost effective.
Health Regulations
Malta has reciprocal agreements with various countries for health treatment.
The majority of prescribed medicinals are available on the island.
Telephones
Malta is equipped with phone booths that provide an international service. These booths are operated by phone cards that can be bought in denominations of Lm5, Lm3, and Lm2. |
