The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) office responsible for the UK and Ireland, together with the MTA tourism representative for North America, participated for the first time at the Proud Experiences Conference, which took place at the iconic Saatchi Gallery June 6-8, 2018, in London. The MTA one of the main conference sponsors
Peter Vella, Director for the Malta Tourism Authority in UK and Ireland was joined by Michelle Buttigieg, Malta’s tourism representative for North America, for a host of meetings and masterclasses to develop business, strategies and creative ideas to better serve this fast-growing market.
The Maltese islands, an archipelago in the middle of the Mediterranean, were showcased during the conference as one of the most desirable holiday locations for the LGBTQ+ community, following the news that Malta retained for a third year the top spot on the European Rainbow Index.
Dr. Gavin Gulia, MTA Chairman, said, “Malta has firmly positioned itself as a vibrant and welcoming destination for all. The Maltese Islands are also once again a sponsor of Brighton (UK) Pride 2018 and will host the first European TropOut annual summer festival this September. TropOut will offer an unforgettable travel experience for the modern gay traveler in search of a holiday that combines cultural discovery, relaxation and a vibrant party scene with like-minded travelers.”
MTA UK & Ireland Director, Peter Vella, took part in a panel discussing Malta’s approach to gay travelers and the steps Malta has taken to ensure all tourists feel welcome, safe and happy. The panel discussed marketing strategies, tourist hot spots, new openings and forthcoming plans to further attract the LGBTQ+ market. MTA representative for North America, Michelle Buttigieg, took part in a second panel, to discuss trends and considerations in servicing the LGBTQ+ traveler.
Peter Vella commented, “Proud Experiences allowed the Malta Tourism Authority to showcase the Maltese Islands’ refreshingly contemporary attitude towards the LGBTQ+ community. We were delighted to be a part of this unique and comprehensive event. It was a fantastic platform in which to communicate Malta’s ethos of compassion and inclusivity and we look forward to being involved in a future Proud Experience conference.”
Michelle Buttigieg noted, “Malta looks forward to continuing to play an important role in developing the LGBTQ+ travel market, as both the Proud Experience Conference and the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) conference will be hosted in New York City in 2019.”
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