Exploring Malta By Car Offers More

Tens of thousands of European holiday makers will plan, book and descend upon the shores of Malta this summer but as one of Europe’s best known and loved destinations might have more to offer than the typical package holiday might suggest. The islands position at the centre of the Mediterranean has resulted in a rich legacy stretching back some 7,000 years offering a cultural and historical wealth that would be of interest to those not usually inclined to snap up the benefits of a traditional package holiday. A staging post at the crossroads of maritime routes, Malta has been, at various times in its’ history, a stronghold, home and refuge. Its’ unique position between the mainland of Africa and Europe have attracted a rich tapestry of cultural influences that can be felt in the island today. The island’s capital, Valletta, is a historic, walled town founded by knights is an interesting, baroque influenced town that has recently been awarded the accolade of World Heritage City. A heady mix of old and new, Valletta offers historic attractions, modern culture and a bustling atmosphere a world away from the traditional resorts of St Julians and Silema. Exploring beyond the traditional resorts gives a greater impression of Malta and a more rewarding experience to the more independently spirited traffic. The south of the island is characterised by small fishing villages and secluded bays offering an authentic insight into rural Maltese life while inland the medieval walled town of Madina boats a rich heritage and historic attractions as Malta’s ancient capital. Malta’s tourist website (http://www.visitmalta.com ) provides a suitable introduction to the islands wider attractions. Escaping the resort towns and venturing further is well worth the effort in Malta and whether you are looking for an independent holiday of culture and history or merely a day or two away from the sun and sand, the island has plenty to offer. Travelling in Malta is relatively straight forward but getting off the beaten track can be a little difficult with public transport. The best way to explore is be rental car and most of the major car hire firms in Malta (http://www.easycar.com/car-hire/links/Malta.aspx/EN ). For further exploration of Malta – take a boat trip to the sister islands of Gozo and Comino for a more tranquil and sedate taste of Mediterranean life. Accommodation here is limited but well worth the effort is you trult want to get off the beaten track on holiday in Malta.

Jets Buzz Malta

With visitor numbers static in recent years and facing new competiton from former Eastern Bloc countries offering cheap holidays, the recent announcement by the Maltese government that negotiations were at an advanced stage with two low cost airlines has sparked hopes that the island will see a rise in visitor numbers, much to the relief of some in the tourist industry worried about the future of Malta as a holiday destination.

Even before the new carriers to the island land the existing airlines have been offering return flights at prices seemingly much lower than in the past to try and hold on to their share of the market.

According to on-line travel guide YourMalta.com the airline negotiations have been tempered with the need for the island’s government to see that the national carrier, Air Malta, isn’t damaged as it is one of Malta’s major employers.

Traditionally the UK has been Malta’s biggest market for incoming tourists, often making up over half of the island’s visitors in any given year, but some on the island see even this market as under threat. And property buyers from the UK have accounted for seventy per cent of Malta property sales to overseas buyers in recent years, settling in Valletta, Sliema, St Paul’s, Mellieha, St Julian’s and Qawra.

A good portion of UK visitors and property buyers for Malta in recent years have been ex-forces who served for the British during WW2 when Malta held out against Hitler’s Luftwaffe, and then in peacetime through to 1964 when Malta became independent, who returned for holidays.

But with the inevitability of this market declining a new breed of Malta’s holiday and hotel entrepreneurs see Malta’s future as less dependent on the UK tourist, and being more cosmopolitan in her outlook.

Declining Market and New Opportunities

Tribune Properties, a UK company specialising in Malta properties, say they have noticed more buyers making enquiries from other countries over the last year. In particular they say they have been receiving enquiries from France, Italy and Germany.

‘The UK remains the foundation for overseas property buyers considering buying property in Malta, but the overall percentage is reducing as more and more people in mainland Europe have visited Malta, and liked it so much they want to either move to the island full time or buy a holiday home.

The arrival of low cost flights to Malta though could reignite British interest as three and four day breaks a few times a year becomes financially viable. If the airlines fly to destinations in Europe too the number of buyers for Malta property could rise in the immediate and medium term’ explains Tribune’s Managing Director, Roger Munns.

For Malta’s tourist industry three and four day visitors in increased numbers will be a welcome boost. There is discussion on the island about extending club’s opening hours beyond the current 4am.

Clubbers in the UK are used to 6am closing, and might be deterred from making a weekend trip with a three hour flight only to find shorter hours available for partying.

‘There are new opportunities for Malta, and it’s for the island to decide whether to embrace them and gain a new generation of visitors – or ignore them and lose an asset for the economy’ agree YourMalta.com

‘Malta has a lot to offer the visitor apart from being a Mediterranean holiday island. Malta has a rich culture and history, and can easily appeal to all generations from toddlers to pensioners. More Italians and other nationalities are discovering Malta as a destination. Malta will become more cosmopolitan. And while some of the older more conservative residents are likely to be against a younger and more diverse mix of visitors from what they have been used to and see change as something to be afraid of, we believe the island will embrace the more cosmopolitan feel, while retaining the features that make Malta a unique visit among her Mediterranean island competitors.’