December 2005 Article

For Something New and Different in the Mediterranean

It’s in the middle of the Mediterranean. Everyone speaks English. It is safe, very scenic and has temperate weather. And it boasts some of the oldest free-standing human structures in the world…predating Stonehenge and the Pyramids. It is Malta, an island nation south of Sicily.

The Maltese archipelago consists of five islands, three of which are inhabited: Malta, Gozo and Comino. Just a few hours away from most European cities, the island is a resort haven for travelers from the United Kingdom and Central Europe. They are drawn by its beautiful coastlines, sandy and rocky beaches, 7000 years of history, warm and friendly people, and great Mediterranean food. The same attractions make it an intriguing new destination for U.S. groups who want to explore something different and unique.

The timeline of Malta reads like the timeline of Western history with chronological entries for Phoenicians, Carthaginians, the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Knights of St. John, the French, and the British. Now independent, Malta’s culture and architecture reflect its rich historic past.

Though home to Neolithic Temples dating from around 3600BC, Malta offers incentives and business meetings the latest in luxury and meeting facilities. The glorious Mediterranean Conference Centre, the largest meeting space in Malta, combines the ancient with the modern.

The historic building is located in the capital city of Valletta, and overlooks the breathtaking Grand Harbor on the eastern side of the City. The Centre can accommodate over 2,200 delegates using all of its conference halls together.

It was constructed as a hospital in the late 16th Century by the Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, subsequently also known as the Knights of Malta. The grand architectural style features wide long halls, intricately vaulted ceilings and rich stone work.

The Centre consists of nine halls over an area of 7,000m². The largest and most impressive, Republic Hall, seats 1,400 in theatre style, whereas the smallest, La Cassiere, caters for 60 people. Conference facilities include permanent installations for simultaneous translation for up to six languages.

Known for olives, wine, lace and blown glass (as popular as the lace and glass in Venice), Malta offers both a cultural and an adventurous experience for those who are so inclined including diving, water sports, four wheel driving, hiking…. and more.

One-of-a-kind activities include:

Welcome Site. The Upper Barracca Gardens give an amazing view of the Grand Harbour below. A perfect location for a grand welcome on the island, prior to being transferred to hotels. It can include a reinactment by soldiers in period costume complete with the firing of a canon that is is located at a vantage point on the bastion.

Blue Grotto and Ancient Temples. A boat cruise into the Blue Grotto, similar to those found in Capri, can be followed by a visit to Hagar Qim Temples that date back 3,000 years (older than the pyramids in Egypt and Stonehenge in the UK.)

The Ancient Capital of Mdina, known as the silent city, offers a fascinating place for a walking tour soaking up the history, followed by a relaxing dinner featuring Mediterranean, Maltese, French, or seafood cuisine.

Blue Lagoon. The Crystal waters of the Blue Lagoon in Comino provide a good daytime outing by boat from the main island of Malta. Once there guests can enjoy the sun, swim in the sea, or go snorkeling.

Popeye Village. The film set for the 1979 musical can be used for various types of functions and activities including casual BBQ lunches and dinners, which can be themed such as Pirate Nights, where animators dressed up as pirates surprise the guests.

Extreme and Gentle Sports. Go-Kart racing, abseiling (descending cliffs on ropes), mountain biking, and windsurfing await those who enjoy an adrenaline rush. Photo safaris, golf and tennis will please the more traditional…while a sailing regatta combines skills, thrills, and competitive team building.

Rachel Elliott, senior vice president of Global Events Partners, recommends Malta also as a wonderful add on excursion when holding meetings in Rome, Sicily or other southern Italian locations. She suggests it as an ideal spot to take a board of directors after a larger meeting on the European mainland.

“Many of the Mediterranean cruise lines pass through Malta, ” Rachel continues, providing an opportunity to use GEP DMC partner AGL - Alliance Group Malta to create something specially tailored for your group.

AGL was established to organize conferences, seminars, incentive travel, study tours and cultural travel into Malta. Roger Strickland and his team focus on providing a true cultural and adventurous experience well beyond simply enjoying a sunny destination.

For more information on Malta, please contact your GEP sales representative or e-mail newsletter@theeventinsider.com