Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1525429
11 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 16 AUGUST 2024 CULTURE The VisitMalta Cup Malta showcased in Tottenham-Bayern match THE recent Tottenham Hotspur vs. Bayern Munich match was more than just an exhilarating display of football—it was a pow- erful platform to highlight Malta as a premier travel destination. The match, held at the iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, concluded with Bayern Munich securing a 3-2 victory and taking home the VisitMalta Cup. The event was a strategic showcase of Malta's attractions, engaging a massive audience of 62,000 fans. Malta's presence was unmistak- able throughout the stadium. The VisitMalta brand was prominent- ly featured, from the stadium's exterior to its bustling megastore. Fans were greeted by vibrant banners, captivating videos on large screens, and an array of VisitMalta brochures and mer- chandise, ensuring that Malta re- mained top of mind long after the final whistle. The fan engagement extended beyond mere visuals. VisitMalta organized interactive activities, including a keepie-uppy competi- tion and a penalty shootout chal- lenge, offering fans a chance to win an unforgettable trip to Malta. These initiatives provided at- tendees with a unique preview of what the Mediterranean island has to offer, transforming the football match into a comprehen- sive experience of Maltese culture and hospitality. This event was part of a strategic partnership between VisitMalta and Tottenham Hotspur, aimed at leveraging the widespread popularity of football to promote Malta to English and German audiences. Carlo Micallef, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority, emphasized the significance of this initiative: "Through this col- laboration, we are tapping into the English and German markets, further extending the reach of the VisitMalta brand on a global scale, particularly among football enthusiasts." The VisitMalta Cup was award- ed to the Bayern Munich captain by Mr. Micallef, marking the cul- mination of a successful event that not only celebrated football but also showcased Malta as a must-visit destination for fans around the world. MALTA International Airport is preparing for high passenger volumes as the Santa Maria pub- lic holiday weekend edges closer. The airport anticipates that over 33,700 passengers will travel on its busiest days, projected to be the 15th, 22nd and 29th days of August. The peak week of travel is expected in these days up to 18 August, with 216,922 passengers expected to either depart from or arrive in Malta. Given the increased passenger traffic, Malta International Air- port recommends the following tips to ensure a smooth and effi- cient journey: • Arrive on time: Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport not more than two hours before their flight's scheduled departure time. • Check-in Online: Passengers travelling with airlines offer- ing online check-in are advised to make use of this service and download their boarding pass to their mobile device to head straight to security screening up- on arrival at the airport. • Pack Smart: Any liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on luggage must comply with the 100ml lim- it and must be packed in a clear, resealable plastic bag. This will help expedite the security screen- ing process. • Stay Informed: Flight Infor- mation Display Screens around the airport show real-time flight updates, including the status of departing flights and their gate allocation. Passengers are re- quested to refer to these screens, as well as Malta International Airport's official website, to stay updated on any changes to travel itineraries. JULY PASSENGER VOLUMES INCREASE BY OVER 12 PER CENT Malta International Airport wel- comed an unprecedented 951,861 passengers in July 2024, marking a significant 12.2 per cent increase compared to the record passenger volumes handled in 2023. This result also confirms July 2024 to be the busiest month in MIA's history, as the first ever month to surpass 900,000 pas- senger movements. This milestone was accompa- nied by a robust 14.1 per cent growth in aircraft movements, bringing the total number of flights operated to and from MIA up to 6,054. The airport received 214 arriving and departing flights on its busiest day of the month, which fell on Thursday 25 July. With seat capacity rising by 11.5 per cent, an impressive 89.7 per cent of all available seats were occupied, reflecting the high de- mand for travel as the summer travel rush set in. Italy remained the top market for MIA, capturing 25.5 per cent of the market share, followed by the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Poland. Traffic through MIA expected to peak this week with over 200,000 passengers expected to travel