Malta crowned best international destination at Italian tourism awards
MTA CEO lauds strong ties with Italy and strategy focused on quality
Malta was crowned best international tourism destination at the Italian Tourism Awards in Rome earlier this month.
Accepting the award, the Malta Tourism Authority director for Italy, Ester Tamasi, said the recognition belongs to “our entire team”.
“This recognition rewards the work shared with our head office, and the many partners who, every day, allow us to tell the story of Malta and Gozo in an emotional and innovative way. It is the result of a coherent and multidisciplinary strategy, capable of responding to the new needs of contemporary travellers,” Tamasi said.
She added that an effective tourism strategy was one that focuses on numbers while “stays in the heart”, creating economic value “without losing the soul of the destination”.
MTA CEO Carlo Micallef said the award reflects the strength of the relationship with the Italian market and the close collaboration with stakeholders.
“Our strategy is firmly focused on quality, sustainability and year-round tourism, ensuring Malta and Gozo continue to offer meaningful experiences while safeguarding what makes our islands unique,” Micallef said.
The jury highlighted Malta’s commitment to standing out for its marketing, promotion, and international tourism development activities.
Among the flagship initiatives, the "Nessuna donna è un’isola" project played a central role featuring a cultural and narrative journey that combined wellness, female identity and the promotion of Gozo’s territory. The initiative included photography exhibitions, yoga retreats, tailor-made experiences and collaborations with tour operators.