Thousands of years of history can be seen
IAN STALKER
Famed British archeological site Stonehenge may actually seem somewhat youthful in comparison to some of Malta’s temples.
Michelle Buttigieg of the Malta Tourism Authority’s North American office told a recent Toronto event that her destination has temples that well predate Stonehenge, which archeologists generally believe was built between 3000 B.C. and 2000 B.C.
“We have some of the oldest temples in the world,” Buttigieg told those on hand.
Those involved in Malta’s tourist trade saying Malta — made up of different islands, including inhabited Malta, Gozo and Comino — has been shaped by many, including of course the Knights of Malta; Biblical figure St. Paul, who spent considerable time there: Romans; Carthaginians; and World War II troops, with Malta having served as a major British naval base, making it pivotal to that conflict’s Mediterranean campaign.
“We’ve had to welcome so many nations throughout our history,” Buttigieg said, adding “hospitality is embedded in our DNA.”
“When people come to Malta, they are seeking history,” Jason Camilleri Allan of Hamilton-based Exclusively Malta Luxury Travel told the gathering.
“Storytellers” often use their homes as “World War II museums,” Camilleri Allan added.
Malta’s Biblical ties enable it to accommodate faith-based tourism.
Camilleri Allan added that Malta does have an attractive climate and beaches, and water sports are available.
Among hotel firms that have a Malta presence are Hilton, Westin and Marriott.
Boutique hotels include ones once used as homes for knights.
Malta also has Michelin-starred restaurants.
Malta’s North American tourist office has been in operation for 9 years after a 10-year closure but Buttigieg said those interested in the destination shouldn’t view it as a new entry in tourism.
“Are we new?” she asked. “Absolutely not. We’ve been there 8,000 years.”
Malta will host September ‘s EuroPride, with Mary Grace of Lynch of Malta DMC Alpine Sterling Malta reporting that the event’s preferred hotels will receive sensitivity training.
There are no direct flights between Canada and Malta but one option suggested by tourism officials is traveling to Munich with Air Canada or Lufthansa and then continuing to Malta from that city.
Air Malta uses A320s to link Malta with 23 European cities, including Paris, Rome, London, Amsterdam and Munich. The airline is represented by Discover the World in this country and can be reached at [email protected].
Malta is also linked to Sicily by catamaran service.
