Facts

FASCINATING FACTS

More sandy beaches for Malta

Britons heading off on a Malta holiday will soon be able to enjoy an even wider range of sandy beaches on the islands thanks to a new project.



Tourism minister Francis Zammit Dimech told a conference organised by the University of Malta and the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association that new projects had been started to provide more beaches in both Malta and Gozo.

He said that two projects, at St George's Bay in St Julian's and a perched beach project in Bugibba, have already been completed with investment of more than Lm 1 million (£1.6 million) and further projects are also planned, local paper the Malta Independent reports.

However, the minister also added that while the country's tourism industry had previously been dependent on traditional sun and sand-type breaks, Malta holidays were increasingly becoming events-orientated.

"With more countries living off this industry, we are doing our best to diversify our tourism industry through the identification of niche markets and the promotion of these niches in foreign countries," he commented.

The number of British tourists visiting Malta was 23.8 per cent higher in December 2006 than a year earlier, according to official statistics.

What to Buy:
Malta is noted for its fine crafts, particularly its hand-woven lace and fabrics, blown glass and silver filigree.

Local dishes:
Sicilian is the strongest influence on Maltese cuisine, though British nosh is also popular - with grilled chops, roasts and three vegetables a top choice among locals! Local specialities include pastizzi (savoury cheese pasties), timpana (a macaroni, cheese and egg pie), fenek (rabbit), which is generally fired or baked in a casserole or pie and bragioli (spicy beef rolls).

Good reading:
The Great Siege of Malta by Ernle Bradford, is an epic tale of Malta’s history and the Knights of St John, The Kappillan of Malta by Nicholas Monsarratt is the story of a priest’s experiences during World War 2. The Battle of Malta is a memoir of Ward War 2 by the Maltese novelist Joseph Attard.

Malta holidays 'rock' with MTV

For a chance to see some of the top acts in pop music today in a beautiful island environment, a summer festival in Malta may fit the bill.

Isle of MTV is a celebration sponsored by the music channel which features headline acts such as Akon, Maroon 5 and Enrique Iglesias for the delight of those on Malta holidays.

Set to take place on July 26th, the festival will be held in Fosos Square in the coastal capital of the country, Valletta. More than 20,000 people are anticipated to attend.

Dr Francis Zammit Dimech, minister for tourism and culture, commented on the opportunity for unique Malta holidays, saying: "We are delighted to welcome MTV to Malta for such a large scale event.

"Malta's Mediterranean lifestyle, climate and stunning architecture provide a perfect venue for MTV and this is a unique opportunity for us to reach into millions of homes, communicating that Malta truly is a happening island - set to become the Isle of MTV for one special night."

For travellers on Malta holidays who want a break from the massive beach party, there are other sights to provide distractions. St John's co-Cathedral, the Manoel Theatre and Grandmaster's Palace are all cultural landmarks located within Valletta.

Valletta is a Unesco world heritage site.

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