Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1511181
11 NEWS 9.11.2023 Malta's showcase at WTM 2023: Propelling towards progress MALTA'S magnetic allure was on full show at the Malta Tourism Authority's stand during this year's World Travel Market, the world's largest Tourism Expo in the heart of London. Once again, the MTA's Head and UK Offices collaborated to orchestrate and oversee Malta's impressive presence. World Travel Market London, a cele- brated rendezvous for the global travel trade, continues to play a pivotal role in reconnecting, reimagining, and re- invigorating the travel industry. Now in its 44th year, WTM London attract- ed tens of thousands of senior industry professionals, government dignitar- ies, and international media, fostering connections, networking, and catalyz- ing growth. From the moment the doors swung open on Monday 6th November at 10am, the Malta Stand was abuzz with activity. Trade representatives from Malta, including Heritage Malta, Air Malta, and VisitGozo, engaged in a whirlwind of meetings with tour oper- ators, travel agents, airline representa- tives, bloggers, vloggers, content crea- tors, and forward-thinking innovators. ese interactions reinforced why Malta offers an endless tapestry of ex- periences, luring visitors back year af- ter year. Malta's Minister for Tourism Clayton Bartolo was supporting the efforts of the present hospitality industry on the Malta stand. He was accompanied by the Chairman of the MTA Dr Gavin Gulia as well as CEO Carlo Micallef. Attendees had the privilege of hear- ing from former Manchester United player Dimitar Berbatov, who recently explored Malta and personally uncov- ered the multitude of offerings that make the Maltese Islands a preferred holiday destination. ese collective efforts showcase the unwavering dedication of the market- ing teams at Head Office and the Vis- itMalta UK Office. ey adopt a com- prehensive approach to ensure that the right message reaches the right audi- ence. "For month after month this year Malta has demonstrated that its tour- ism industry has fully recovered from the pandemic and is looking ever more strongly towards the future. Our re- cord-breaking performances this year are a testament to the exceptional work of our marketing teams, both in Malta as well as in VisitMalta offices around the world," Micallef said. "eir dedication has not only con- tributed to our success but has also shone brilliantly at this year's WTM, offering attendees a tantalizing glimpse of the rich tapestry of experiences that Malta has to offer. Even as we break records and bask in our achievements, we must remember that the key to our success lies in our unwavering com- mitment to progress, guided by our visionary tourism strategy extending to 2030. In a world that never stands still, our pursuit of improvement is the wind beneath our wings, propelling us to greater heights, even when we've reached the pinnacle." "e World Travel Market is an op- portunity to showcase Malta's hospi- tality capabilities to the tourism world. It is an ideal platform through which we can cement our vision of attracting tourists all year round to the Maltese Islands," Bartolo said. Malta's Minister for Tourism Clayton Bartolo (right) with former Manchester United player Dimitar Berbatov