Destination Spotlight – Malta

view of Valetta old city

Malta is a strong destination choice in Europe for all types of conferences, incentives and events. It boasts practical advantages within an attractive and memorable setting. Located in the southern Mediterranean between Sicily and North Africa – Maltese and English are the official languages, which makes communication easier for many international delegates.

Access and climate

This island nation is served by no less than 30 airlines, including Delta from the US, Emirates connecting the Middle East, South Africa and APAC, and Turkish Airlines with extensive global routes. Flights from London take around 3 hours.

It also benefits from an attractive year-round climate. Long hot summers and winter temperatures rarely dropping below 10°C. A low annual rainfall and around 3,000 hours of sunshine per year guarantees plenty of outdoor activities and dinners!

Georgraphy and history

The three main islands; Malta, Gozo and Comino, bring together striking heritage, stunning coastal scenery, and a strong sense of place. A key reason for Malta’s popularity is its rich historical heritage. Due to its strong strategic location, the islands have been shaped by many civilizations. Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs have called it home and the Knights of St John called in on route to and from the Crusades. Each has left a lasting mark on both architecture and culture. 

Historical highlights are

  • Ancient sites such as the Megalithic Temples, some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world
  • Fortified cities like Valletta and Mdina
  • Valletta, the capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing hundreds of monuments, historic buildings and museums

Culture

The country reflects a blend of its neighbouring influences. This is evident in the selection of food offerings, language and traditions. Visitors can enjoy a diverse culinary scene that combines Mediterranean ingredients with Italian and Arabic influences.

Programme highlights

The activity and programme options are numerous here and distances are short.

If your guests have a few hours between arrival and check in they could kick off with an activity such as:

  • Walking tour around Valletta
  • Buggy safari around the Three Cities
  • Lunch and a trip across Valletta’s spectacular harbour in a traditional Dghajsa (pronounced djay-sa)

For a day out, serious consideration should be given to a luxury day cruise along the Malta coastline to the smaller island of Gozo. Guests can dive into the crystal clear sea to snorkel and swim on route.

Once on Gozo, it’s possible to explore the island by hire car or ATV. Like its larger neighbour, Gozo has plenty of history, golden-hued cathedrals and villages to explore. Plus charming local artisans to visit, and wonderful restaurants such as Ta Frenc to try.

Why not take an exhilarating power boat ride back to Malta?

Back on the main island, there are wineries to visit, the walled city of Valletta, the original capital of Mdina – known as the “Silent City”, a medieval citadel renowned for sweeping panoramic views and Game of Thrones.

Hotel stock

The majority of larger hotels in the 4 and 5 star categories are based in the main resort of St Julians. Luxury resorts in the 5 star category, all with impressive meeting spaces, include:

At 4 star level, there are plenty of options:

In the Valletta area, there is the excellent 5 star Phoenicia and Grand Hotel Excelsior, whilst in nearby Sliema, the lovely AX The Palace awaits.

Dining

Spoilt for choice, Malta has everything from intimate Michelin recommended restaurants, up to larger private dining in locations like the Limestone Heritage Museum, and the 16th century Mediterranean Conference Centre. The latter can cater for up to 900 in a banquet setting!

Sustainability

Malta can also support the sustainability priorities that increasingly shape event planning. The country’s National Tourism Strategy 2021–2030 places strong emphasis on sustainable, socially inclusive tourism.

Malta’s wider sustainability framework includes national ESG and environmental policy initiatives focused on responsible resource use, community wellbeing, and long-term resilience. 

All of this creates a helpful backdrop for designing events with more purposeful local experiences, stronger community alignment, and a clearer sustainability narrative.

Thinking of Malta?

Full of charm, Malta also provides exceptional value for money, comparing very favourably against many other Mediterranean destinations, as well as great service.   We have delivered a number of events in Malta so if this destination has captured your imagination, drop us a line and we can share more of our experience

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Vicki Williams

Venue and Relationships Manager
Author Bio:
I have worked in events for over 30 years, having begun my events career within the automotive industry – working on everything from exhibitions, roadshows to product launches and beyond both in the UK and internationally and subsequently moved on to work within an events agency environment where additional experience was gained with many other industries including Pharma, Telecommunications, Banking/Finance and Insurance and more.