Air Malta's Amitex travel fair attracted 15,000 visitors last year, and the organisers hope to beat that record in the 17th edition of the fair at the MFCC at Ta' Qali later this month.
"During difficult financial times, people want to make sure of getting best value for their money and such a fair gives them the opportunity to interact with with people instead of computer screens," Silvio Scerri, MFCC chairman said.
The fair will be held between April 22 and 25.
This year's edition will bring together 21 local and foreign exhibitors, including travel agencies, destination management companies, tour operators, hotels and service suppliers.
Brian Bartolo, Air Malta general manager, Market and Product, said the Amitex fair was the travelling public's window on the world.
"The variety of offers and opportunities which are presented under one roof have made Amitex one of the most popular fairs in Malta," he told a press conference.
Air Malta will be using the fair to promote its summer 2010 programme, with 40 destinations in Europe, North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Munich Airport and the Munich Tourism Authority will be promoting the Bavarian town of Altotting, near where Pope Benedict was born.
During the fair Air Malta will be giving away 25 air tickets every day.
ROCS TRAVEL SALE
The travel agency Rocs said that on the occasion of the fair, it was launching its first ever travel sale. Package rates start from €139 and include return flights; two nights’ accommodation, breakfast and taxes.
Colin Aquilina, head of finance and business development, said:
“The Rocs travel sale is by far a first in the Maltese islands consisting of quality travel packages at prices which are 30 per cent less of what is available on the local market.
"This has only been possible through the extensive worldwide travel network which ROCS Travel enjoys today and the collaboration of some of the most exclusive travel partners and airlines operating in Malta.”
The sale will be launched on Monday at all Rocs travel offices in Floriana and Mellieha and will continue throughout the Amitex period until May 8.
ROCS travel clients will also get a free Nokia mobile phone from Intercomp of Marsa and The Point Tigne’, when spending €1,000 or more during the travel sale. This ffer is valid until stocks last and is limited to one mobile phone per room booked. Other terms and conditions may apply.