Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1399957
12 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 8 AUGUST 2021 COMMERCIAL THE Onorificienza di Cavaliere of the "Ordine della Stella d'Italia" was conferred on Henri Sal- iba, Managing Director of Virtu Ferries, by Ital- ian President Sergio Mattarella, in appreciation for his contribution to Maltese – Italian cooper- ation. The presentation was made by the Italian Am- bassador to Malta, Fabrizio Romano, last week. "The Embassy collaborates with Virtu Ferries regularly and has on all occasions been able to count on the essential support of Henri Saliba," Romano said. "Thanks to the important positions held with- in Virtu Ferries, Henri Saliba has established and maintained an excellent working relation- ship, on behalf of the Maltese shipping compa- ny, with the Embassy and with the Italian Mili- tary Mission in Malta." Virtu Ferries managing director receives Italian honour MALTA International Airport welcomed three inaugural Ryanair flights from Ita- ly and Bulgaria, which have widened op- tions for locals who have not yet booked their summer holiday. Biweekly flights to Brindisi, Genoa and Sofia will be operated by Ryanair until October. While Brindisi is a brand-new route between Malta and southern Ita- ly, Genoa has made a comeback to Mal- ta International Airport's flight sched- ule following a brief absence and the Sofia route is currently also served by low-cost carrier Wizz Air The first flight from Brindisi was wel- comed on Tuesday morning, joining the existing four weekly flights to Bari in providing more convenient connec- tions between Malta and the region of Puglia which is best known for its ancient towns, Baroque architecture, beautiful beaches, and seas of olive trees which make the region Italy's top producer of olive oil. Located on the coast of the Adriat- ic Sea, Brindisi is an important port city whose roots go back to ancient times. Brindisi's proximity to Alber- obello which is home to the UNES- CO-protected trulli dwellings; the hilltop town of Ostuni; the medieval Monopoli; and Lecce, whose rich architecture earned it the nickname 'Florence of the South', make it the ideal gateway to the region of Puglia. Genoa, on the other hand, is the capital of the north-western region of Liguria, and makes an excellent starting point for a journey of discovery of the dreamy Italian Riviera. The high- light of this itinerary would probably be the five fishing villages making up the Cinque Terre, whose colourful seaside homes located on the rugged coast are the most iconic landmarks of the ar- ea. Another jewel of the Italian Riviera is the small yet sophisticated and pic- ture-perfect Portofino. New Ryanair flights from Brindisi, Genoa and Sofia welcomed at Malta International Airport