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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 27 APRIL 2025 7 COMMERCIAL Xjenza Malta to host talk by future astronaut Norah Patten XJENZA Malta, in conjunction with the Embassy of Ireland to Malta, is pleased to announce a special talk by Dr Norah Patten, aeronautical engineer, bioastro- nautics researcher and future as- tronaut, which will take place on Monday, 28 April 2025 at 3:00PM at the Planetarium Hall, Esplora, Kalkara. Dr Patten is a member of the International Institute for Astro- nautical Science (IIAS) and was announced as part of the IIAS-02 crew in June 2024. She is prepar- ing for her first research space- flight with Virgin Galactic, which will also make her the first Irish person to fly to Space. With a background in aeronau- tical engineering and extensive experience in Space research, Dr Patten has participated in a range of microgravity research cam- paigns, which included spacesuit testing, and 3D bioprinting tech- nologies for medical applications. She has served as Principal Inves- tigator on research involving the behaviour of water droplets in microgravity and continues to ex- plore novel, space-based solutions to real-world challenges. Dr Patten is also a strong ad- vocate for STEM outreach. She created and led Ireland's first student experiment sent to the International Space Station in partnership with NanoRacks and the Irish Composites Centre, and is the author of Shooting for the Stars, which won the 'An Post Irish Book Award' for Book of the Year in 2019. Currently working at Réalta Space Systems Engineer- ing in Dublin, Dr Patten holds a PhD in Aeronautical Engineering and has experience with organisa- tions such as Boeing and Bell Labs. She has held Faculty roles with the International Space University and has received several recog- nitions for her work in education and Space science. This event will give attendees the opportunity to hear about Dr Pat- ten's research, her personal career journey into the Space sector, and her upcoming space flight. Date: Monday, 28 April 2025 Time: 3:00PM Location: Planetarium Hall, Es- plora, Kalkara Registration: By email to space. xjenzamalta@gov.mt by Friday 25 April 2025. The Phoenicia Malta welcomes the 2025 Virtuoso UK/Ireland/ Middle East/Africa forum THE Phoenicia Malta, a Virtu- oso preferred partner, recent- ly hosted the network's annual UK/Ireland/Middle East/Africa Forum, welcoming owners and managers from Virtuoso's travel agency members across the vari- ous regions and global preferred partners. Held from 24-27 March, the Fo- rum brought together Virtuoso's influential network – alongside Virtuoso Chairman & CEO Mat- thew D. Upchurch – for insight- ful discussions on luxury tourism trends, the rising influence of wellness tourism, the role of AI and innovative technology in cu- rating bespoke experiences and the increasing appeal of destina- tions that balance exclusivity with cultural authenticity. Beyond high-level networking sessions and empowering thought leadership panels, the visiting del- egates also enjoyed immersive cul- tural experiences such as a private concert at St John's Co-Cathedral. Meanwhile, a special panel featur- ing the event's Maltese partners brought the island to life as a vi- brant destination through insights and stories. An exclusive gala din- ner at Palazzo Parisio concluded the event in an evening celebrat- ing Virtuoso's regional award cer- emony and the collective success of attendees. Virtuoso is the leading global network specialising in luxury and experiential travel with more than 20,000 travel advisors and pre- ferred relationships with the 2,300 of the world's best travel part- ners, including hotels such as The Phoenicia Malta. Virtuoso hosts seven Forums worldwide, pro- viding the opportunity for travel agency members from all regions to connect with preferred part- ners. As is the hallmark of Virtu- oso events, attendees can connect face-to-face, engage in meaningful peer-to-peer conversations and exchange business ideas and best practices. The 2025 UK/Ireland/Middle East/Africa Forum not only high- lighted The Phoenicia Malta's leg- endary luxury hospitality, but also what the island can offer discern- ing travellers seeking authenticity, heritage and luxury, solidifying Malta's position as a high-end destination of choice. "We are proud to have collab- orated with our Maltese Virtuo- so partners to plan, and to have served as the venue for, this im- portant event," says Robyn Pratt, General Manager of The Phoeni- cia Malta. "The landscape of luxury travel is changing at an extraordinary pace. Today's luxury travellers are prioritising deeper connections, well-being and highly personal- ised experiences. This occasion was an excellent opportunity to showcase how Malta – and The Phoenicia Malta – caters to these shifting expectations with our sig- nature blend of timeless elegance, innovation and world-class ser- vice." To discover more about The Phoenicia Malta, visit www. phoeniciamalta.com. Held from 24-27 March, the Forum brought together Virtuoso's influential network