The Malta Tourism Authority has released its autumn news, agent training and details of Valetta European Capital of Culture 2018. 

From 7 November 2017, EasyJet will be adding an additional weekly flight to its Manchester – Malta route. Operating four times a week in winter and daily in summer, the capacity increase shows rising demand for Malta in the shoulder season.

Tourism Minsiter Konrad Mizzi said: “It is encouraging to see that our partner airlines believe that Malta is an attractive year-round destination and are enhancing operations in a way that allows more tourists to discover the island in the shoulder months.”

Starting from 1 May 2018, Air Malta will be reintroducing flights from Manchester to Malta on a weekly basis throughout the summer until 16 October 2017.

Following the discontinuation of this route at the start of summer 2017, the decision has now been reversed in line with Air Malta’s growth strategy. Peter Vella, director UK & Ireland, Malta Tourism Authority said: “Capitalising on Malta’s increasing popularity, we’re looking forward to welcoming this flight back to Manchester, offering genuine Maltese hospitality as soon as passengers’ board.”

On 20 January, Valletta will become the European Capital of Culture 2018. The accolade recognises Valletta’s role in driving cultural, social and economic regeneration across the Maltese archipelago through collaboration, exchange and innovative practice.

The Malta Tourism Authority has relaunched its online training website for UK and Ireland travel agents to learn more about the Mediterranean archipelago, as well as unveiling a section on its new consumer website that includes Maltese holiday offers from MTA’s trade partners.

Consisting of the latest news, selling tips, practical advice on travel to Malta, information on the capital of Valletta and other reasons to visit, the OTT course – learnmalta.org – provides agents with information on the country, assisting them with answering customer queries on the destination and drive sales.

Visitors can see the MTA exhibiting at World Travel Market this year at stand EU1450. Every day at 4pm, visitors are invited to sample Maltese food and wine. There is also a competition on-stand to win free return flights from Southend to Malta with easyJet and three nights’ bed and breakfast at the five-star Intercontinental.