The Sun Rises on Malta’s Summer Solstice

June 14, 2012

The summer sun brings a time for relaxing, fun, outdoor activities and a time to appreciate the outdoors. However for the Maltese, summer brings with it an extremely interesting and educational level that many of us do not have the pleasure of experiencing. The summer solstice in Malta is coming up on 20 and 21 June and there is so much to look forward to.

Guides are preparing tours to the historically rich and cultural Maltese temples. The World Heritage Sites of the Mnajdra and Hagar Qim temples will be open for people to experience Malta’s 2012 summer solstice. The solstice occurs once a year and happens on sunrise of the first day of summer. The temples come into the solstice agenda because it is believed they were built in accordance with the relationship between these structures and celestial beings. Astronomy and astrology appear to have played a large part in historical architectures. Many people do not believe in the correlation between the two, however the systematic orientations are too plausible to believe otherwise. This is one of the perfect reasons for people to consider Malta holidays now. This only happens once a year and guarantees an experience.

Tickets to the temples for the summer solstice are current for sale. It is a great summer experience and the perfect way for tourists and local students to spend the longest day of the year. The rich history behind the culture that moulded Malta, is filled with details on how past societies planted harvests and planned their lives around the planets. Everything about the summer solstice in one of the most beautiful Mediterranean islands just seems right. Otherwise, if you’re not into celestial beings take a holiday and relax at Ramla Bay or one of Malta’s awesome hotels. It’s all good.

The Little Malta Attractions

April 12, 2012

Malta remains one of the most amazing destinations for a family holiday or for anyone wanting to experience a festival or life on a small tropical island. Famed for its history and amazing architecture there are so many Malta attractions that draw tourists back time and again but one in particular is the Siege Bell.

The bell is a war memorial in Valletta, Malta, which commemorates the victorious Allied forces during the second siege of Malta. Malta was continuously bombarded with troupes attempting to seize and colonise the island community. In 1942 King George awarded Malta the George Cross in honour of the courage of the community and their ability to hold onto their home.

Thanks to all the movies that have been filmed in Malta; movies such as “Troy” and “Alexander” and the one that gave the Siege Bell its famous debut, “The Count of Monte Cristo,” the island has gained a reputation as being a Hollywood favourite. Tourists to Malta enjoy the experience when the Siege Bell is rung every day at noon. Tourists come from all over to experience places like Valletta, Ramla Bay Resort, Gozo and all the history that the Maltese resorts and islands have to offer.

Another attraction is the Triton Fountain which is a fountain designed by Maltese sculptor Vincent Apap in 1959. The Triton fountain is based on the mythological Greek God, Triton, known as the messenger of the sea. These are two simple Malta attractions that draw people to a Malta holiday, but if you’re looking for one tiny reason to go to Malta, you may have found it.

Renewed EU Tourism Policies Vital for Mediterranean Economies

April 5, 2012

In a recent press release influential Maltese politician Joseph Cuschieri, also a member of the European Parliament, highlighted the importance of the EU tourism industry for Malta’s economy. According to Cuschieri, tourism is key to Malta’s economic survival and the country has a vested interest in ensuring that European policies encourage the growth of EU tourism.

The European Commission recently outlined new tourism-orientated initiatives to be implemented by national and local authorities, tourism organisations and related public and private stakeholders. It’s of Cuschieri’s opinion that these actions must support islands like Malta and other Mediterranean nations and help bolster their position as a top global tourist destination. Like elsewhere in the Mediterranean, EU tourism is a major source of revenue for Malta. It also creates jobs in Malta hotels and restaurants, as well as in the retail and entertainment industries.

Malta only stands to gain from the renewed EU tourism policy, which sets to highlight priorities and provide solutions to any challenges that the industry may face. For example, there is currently a drive to facilitate the influx of tourists to Europe from countries like Brazil, Russia and China by making the Schengen visa rules more lenient. The Malta holiday, as well as other Mediterranean destinations, has to be actively supported by EU tourism policies in order for Europe as a whole to benefit economically.

Comino is Close to Utopia

April 5, 2012

Known as one of the most beautiful islands, Comino is the epitome of the quintessential island for a family holiday this year. Not only is it picture perfect it is also home to much history and culture that is quite extraordinary and has shaped the life of Comino, so much so that some tourists have even opted to move to Malta’s Comino permanently.

There is just so much to enjoy on the island with the blue lagoon. Breathtaking turquoise waters that offer amazing scuba diving and boat trips that skim the top of the cool waters under the bright sun and blue skies. Comino holidays are the ultimate experience for anyone looking for an idyllic place to relax and unwind from concrete jungles or the fast-paced lifestyle. From the moment people step onto their Malta flights the unwinding begins.

Visitors to Comino Island have said it is the one place that needs to be experienced if people are looking for a place as far away from the city as possible. There are no urban areas, only one hotel, surrounded by beautiful transparent waters and the blue lagoon to enjoy and swim in for days on end. It is like stepping back in time.  Not losing its attraction at all regardless of the season change, Comino during winter proves to by the absolutely perfect place for walks and taking photographs. The quiet serenity of Comino is just too delicious to pass up.

Scuba Diving Getting the Spotlight in Malta Business

January 26, 2012

Scuba diving off a Mediterranean coast is a dream many of us may have, but it seems Malta’s government isn’t satisfied with the amount that is being done to promote that dream. Launching a plan today, Malta’s minister for tourism and culture, Mario de Marco said that focus was to be given to the underwater scuba diving industry in an effort to provide strategic direction to the Malta Tourism Authority, the government and the private sector. The idea isn’t to promote tourism at all costs, but to champion sustainable tourism which impacts the environment least and provides adequate Malta company incorporation. With the large amount of schools offering scuba diving courses in Malta and the recorded fact that a large percentage of tourists come specifically for scuba diving, the plan looks to take advantage of several positive positions. A total of 46 scuba diving schools exist in Malta and Gozo and with the average length of a diving tourist’s stay being longer than non-diving tourists, revenue can be greatly increased by upping value for money with diving and providing new routes.

The confirmation that things are looking good for scuba diving shops in Malta comes in the form of praise for its diving waters. According to UK Diver Magazine, Malta places third in the world for pleasant scuba diving with clean waters, positive year round temperatures in the water and minimal time and distance from accommodation to the diving spots. With such a popular hobby, providing scuba diving cameras and equipment to locals, the amount of trained professionals waiting to pass on their knowledge to tourists increases the attractive nature of Malta as a diving destination. The plan is being plotted with consultation and feedback from the Professional Diving Schools Association of Malta, Gozo and Comino and as is normally the case from constitutional laws in Malta, it is open to public feedback for four weeks until the 21 February. Scuba diving photography and exploration is a niche market that Malta intends to be a major provider for, boosting tourism by increasing accessibility for diving sites. Scuba diving looks to become a major player in the already impressive Maltese tourism industry and it is clear this is the goal of its government.