Malta is one of the destinations that are immensely popular among UK tourists. It is a small territory combined with a rich cultural history and favourable climate, which are just some of the reasons that have contributed to the high regard of Malta.

Malta’s official tourism board has also suggested that around 35 percent of the 1.3 million annual international tourists belong to the UK. Britons are however second to Germans in the aspect of importance to Malta’s tourism industry. According to Alex Incorvaja, MTA’s director for the UK and Ireland, Malta is all set to become even more popular among tourists.

Malta’s fame among tourists looking for short city trips is cited as the major reason behind this phenomenon. In addition, several airlines have increased the frequency of their flights to the country to cope with demand.

Alex Incorvaja feels that the nation is popular, in spite of its relatively small 360 sq km area, due to the vast history it offers coupled with plush hotels, restaurants, museums and famous cultural sites. A trip to Malta is also much more affordable compared to other tourist destinations. According to the Post Office, Malta is the third most affordable tourist destination in the Euro zone led by Spain and Portugal.

According to a leading tourism industry official, Malta, one of Europe’s densely populated countries, is expected to be a popular holiday destination in 2010. This renowned island is already a hit among tourists.

Alex Incorvaja, the UK and Ireland director for the Malta Tourism Authority has suggested that its easy accessibility is the major attraction of Malta. The increased number of flights initiated in 2009 will furthermore enhance the level of accessibility. The island of Malta, situated in the Eurozone, is all set to receive even more flights in 2010. Mr. Incorvaja feels that despite its geographical location, Malta provides good value for money to tourists.

This is essential considering the rising importance of budget-friendly holidays in the current economic scenario. It has immensely helped the Malta tourism sector this year. Alex is optimistic that Malta will be a popular draw among the tourists in 2010. The recent credit crunch and the economic pressure will also hugely work in Malta’s favour.

Besides the scenic locale, tourists can also indulge in adventurous excursions such as rock climbing, yachting, cycling and hiking. These are just some of the exciting activities available in Malta. In addition, Malta is also the home of several events like the Rolex Middle Sea race, which is held in October every year.

Malta is a small island in the Mediterranean, which is home to many historic buildings, and is one of the three islands that form the archipelago- which are also known as the Maltese Islands.

There are many fantastic places to visit in Valletta- including The National Museum of Archaeology, The Manoel Theatre Museum, St. Anne Square Garden and St John’s Cathedral.

You can also enjoy a relaxing massage in one of the hotel spas, a walk on the beach or travel to Comino or Gozo by ferryboat. Valletta also hosts many summer music concerts and plays. Scuba diving, windsurfing, swimming, jet-skiing and walking trails along the coastal areas and beaches are also popular activities.

The currency used in Malta is the Euro, although international credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels and shops. Many shops in the tourist areas of Malta are open until 10 pm, and can easily be accessed by public transport.

There are now many amazing holiday deals to Malta available for the Summer 2010 season, many of which are fully-inclusive and allow you to take in all the sights that the island has to offer.

Last minute holidays are a great way of booking an affordable break to some of the most beautiful destinations in the world. For those who enjoy rich historical culture, a holiday to Valletta is perfect.

Valletta, which is the capital city of Malta, offers holidaymakers a number of beautiful places to see and things to do.

Our Lady of Victory
This is the oldest building in the city and can be found on Victory Square and South. Dedicated to the end of the Great Siege, it has an apse, four altars and amazing architecture.

St John’s Co-Cathedral
Definitely a must-see during your holiday, this structure may look simple on the outside but has a simply breathtaking interior. Visitors will find carvings, paintings and even tombstones, which cover almost every foot of the building.

National Museum of Archaeology
This musuem is a must-visit if you have already seen the temples of Hypogeum, Hagar Qim, Mnajdra and Tarxien. The museum displays real artefacts from the temples.

There are many fantastic last minute holidays to Valletta, so you are sure to pick up an amazing deal.

An affordable holiday trip is certainly rare in recent times. However, cheap holidays are largely dependent on the holiday destination. Considering this criteria, Malta contains all the pre-requisites that are required in the perfect holiday destination.

Malta, situated in the Mediterranean Sea, is a collection of three major islands. Tourism is an important industry in Malta. Malta is renowned for its natural scenic beauty along with several tourist spots. It is also endowed with a rich cultural heritage.

Some of the popular tourist spots in Malta are as follows:

Blue Grotto

It is a collection of seven caves and is located on the southern side of Malta. Blue Grotto is renowned for its clear-crystal blue waters along with its natural rock formations. You can access this place with the help of a traditional boat. The boats leave from the main road, along the south coast of Blue Grotto.

Enjoy the Underwater Safari at St. Paul’s Bay

This particular place is well-known among tourists all around the world. You can view the natural scenic beauty of the island with an amazing view. Tourists can undertake an underwater safari to explore the marine life of Malta. This particular safari will also take you through the creeks. You can also view shipwrecks with the help of an observation keel.

Explore the ancient history

A visit to the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta is highly recommended to understand the cultural heritage of Malta. The museum includes a wide assortment of sculptures, pottery items and ancient ornaments.

The tourist board for the Mediterranean island of Malta has said that this year, Malta will be offering ‘incredible value for money’.

The Malta Tourist Board commented that Malta is much more affordable than several other popular destinations for holidays, and offers cheap getaways for the Brits even though it is within the Eurozone.

According to the latest information from the Post Office, following Spain and Portugal, Malta is the most affordable destination in the Eurozone.

The annual Holiday Costs Survey conducted by the Post Office takes a basket of your typical items for holidays and compares prices in different popular holiday destinations. The latest study showed that the basket in Malta was almost 15 per cent cheaper than the same basket in Cyprus and 1.5 per cent cheaper than in Egypt.

Alex Incorvaja, UK director of the Malta Tourism Authority, said:

“Much attention has focused on non-Eurozone destinations such as Egypt over the last few months but Malta still offers incredible value for money as a holiday destination, as the survey proves. Even with the current exchange rate, a cup of coffee on Malta will only set you back £0.96 whilst a bottle of beer averages £1.34.”

Direct holidays to Malta are available at some excellent prices and several air carriers are available, including Air Malta, British Airways and Lufthansa, from most of the major airports across the UK.

Holiday makers who are looking for the most value for money from their summer holiday this year would be best advised to head for destinations such as: Bulgaria, Thailand, Egypt and South Africa, says a new annual report on Holiday Costs which was just released by the Post Office.

One of the most affordable destinations was found to be the eastern European destination of Bulgaria and other budget destinations include Thailand and Egypt. The top three cheapest holiday destinations last year were Egypt, Thailand and South Africa so Bulgaria has shot to the top of the charts.

The other two cheap countries to visit this year are Turkey and Kenya whilst Malaysia, Croatia and Malta were in the top ten of budget places to visit.

The head of travel services at the Post Office is Sarah Munro and she recently commented upon the findings of their survey saying:

“The euro zone has taken a bashing this year but our survey suggests that tourist outlets in many resorts are taking dramatic steps to encourage tourists. Despite the weak pound, this means that UK tourists who shop carefully could find that they get more than expected for their money.”

Earlier research from The Post Office this year revealed that some of the cheapest European city breaks in 2009 include Prague, Warsaw and Budapest.

Holiday makers are set to benefit from a recent codeshare agreement which has been struck between BMI and Air Malta which will mean increased connectivity amongst the airlines’ networks.

The agreement will mean one huge advantage for those passengers who are looking to access the island of Malta from any regional airport within the UK.

There will be new connections available to and from the Maltese island and the UK airports of Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dublin, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, East Midlands, Durham Tees Valley and Belfast.

Flights between Amsterdam and Brussels with Air Malta are all part of the new codeshare agreement along with BMI flight services to UK destinations that will connect via Manchester, London Heathrow, Brussels and Amsterdam.

Air Malta’s chief commercial officer, Dr Brock Friesen, recently stated:

‘Today we are continuing to enhance the network of destinations offered to and from Malta. We are expecting this agreement to lead to more tourist arrivals from the UK as together with our codeshare partner, BMI, we are offering easier flight connections to Malta.’

BMI’s commercial director, Martyn Bridger claims that the new codeshare partnership with Air Malta was going to mean greater access for holiday makers and business travellers to “strong domestic route networks and a growing range of mid-haul destinations”.

This European capital city offers much to travelers looking for a historical break and also caters for the many family holidays which are taken here each year.
Valletta is the capital of Malta and is today considered a marked piece of living history. Valletta was founded in 1565 through what was known as the Order of St John which was a refuge for those soldiers who were returning home from the historical Crusades.

Valletta has an unsurpassed original collection of Baroque architecture with old fortified city walls which overlook the Mediterranean Sea; it’s a stunning backdrop where the Cathedral of St John is situated. The Cathedral has finely carved stone vaults and inside its walls it heralds the famed painting by Caravaggio. Valletta is the smallest of our European capital cities yet it is officially and rightly so classed as a world heritage site.

Flights into Malta are busy year round with many family holidays being popular to the city of Valletta.
There are many sites to see in Valletta not least the Casa Rocca Piccola which is a palace that was built in the 16th century and was the ancestral home of the 9th Marquis de Piro. There are daily guided tours around the palace which contains beautiful furniture and antique gold and silver.

For a great action packed evening on your family holiday try the Knights Spectacular 1565 which is a 3 course meal and family dinner with a highly entertaining show which depicts the seizure of the Great Siege of Malta.

With fifty performers and eight horses visitors are sat around the stage ‘Arena’ area at Montekristo Estate. This is a spectacular show with cannons and sword fighting set with fabulously choreographed contemporary and classical dance routines.