In an industry as exciting as travel and tourism, event planners are never at a loss for new and compelling destinations to plan their next meeting, incentive, conference or event.
Every destination has its unique offering and perks that make it stand out, but today we want to share a few reasons why Malta – and the Maltese Islands – could be just the European Destination for M.I.C.E. that you’ve been searching for!
Let’s get right into it!
Smaller countries make the best destinations for M.I.C.E.
When planning an international corporate event, the size of the destination can make or break a programme. Sure, large destinations may offer a wide variety of venues and hotels, but think about how much time can be lost commuting between points A and B, multiple times a day!
Being a small island of just 316 km2, Malta’s compact size is definitely one of the major advantages that the island offers for corporate event planners. Not only are travel times kept to a minimum, but delegates can be shuttled from their hotels to venues, activities and restaurants in a matter of minutes – allowing for unmatched programme flexibility and excellent value for money. No time is wasted on long commutes, and even trips to other islands in the Maltese archipelago can be as short as 30 minutes!
Entertainment? Seaside? Strictly Corporate? Malta has the right venues for you!
When thinking about the overall theme of your event, you may want to choose venues that help set the right tone. If it’s a relaxing atmosphere you’re after, you may be interested in booking a 5-star hotel with Mediterranean Sea views to enjoy the 300 days of sunshine that bless the islands. Alternatively, you can choose to base your M.I.C.E. event in the central district of the island, close to the best bars, restaurants and clubs, for a fun-packed and thrilling experience.
Or perhaps you want to be inspired by history and culture? We’ve certainly got plenty of that to offer with our capital city Valletta – which happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage city – as well as the medieval town of Mdina and the surrounding area called Rabat, and the Three Cities of Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea (Isla) and Bormla (Cospicua) by the majestic Grand Harbour – one of the most picturesque sites in the Mediterranean!
The great news is that your event can incorporate all of these aspects at once. Many of the best hotels in Malta have meeting and event spaces on-site, which can also be transformed into a spectacular venue for dinners and receptions. Off-site venues are also on offer, with historical buildings such as the Mediterranean Conference Centre fully equipped with the technology needed for a successful MICE event. You can learn more about Malta’s rich history and culture here.
Shake things up with a fun outdoor activity, all year round!
M.I.C.E. events are often focused on achieving business goals, but the wide variety of cultural, historical, artistic and adventurous activities and destinations available in Malta and Gozo can add an unexpected dimension to any corporate event.
“The pleasant Mediterranean climate makes outdoor activities and excursions possible throughout most of the year – particularly between May and November.”
From sustainability-focused activities such as Mediterranean farm-to-fork cooking classes and beach clean ups, to adrenaline-fueled experiences such as kayaking, quad bike tours and hiking along stunning nature trails, to laid-back outings such as a relaxing luxury yacht trip – Malta offers endless opportunities to add a personal touch to your event.
English is one of Malta’s national languages
Malta is a bilingual nation with two national languages that are widely spoken: English and Maltese. While many locals speak Maltese with their friends, families and colleagues, English is considered to be the preferred working language in a professional context. Since Malta welcomes many workers from all over the world, the English language is a happy medium to communicate effectively, especially in an industry as diverse as tourism! By collaborating with a Destination Management Company in Malta when organising your event, language barriers become non-existent.
Corporate Event Planners can collaborate with a Quality Assured Malta DMC!
Choosing to work with a Quality Assured DMC in Malta is your best bet when planning any type of corporate event. From small-scale business meetings and incentives to conferences of over 1000 delegates, a knowledgeable DMC can connect all the dots to make your event run smoothly and put your mind at ease. The Quality Assured Seal is a stamp of approval given to Malta DMCs on a yearly basis, provided they meet the high standards set by the Malta Tourism Authority, ensuring that local DMCs are leading the way among European M.I.C.E destinations.
Looking for further inspiration? Get in touch with a member of our team for a tailor-made presentation or a chat!
Photos supplied by the Malta Tourism Authority.