Malta reinvents itself – tops skyscanner list of travel hotspots for 2017

Malta placed first on the list of travel hot spot predictions for 2017 launched by global travel search engine Skyscanner. The list of seven destinations was compiled based on the analysis of millions of Skyscanner flight searches over the last year, combined with qualitative research carried out by Skyscanner’s team of travel experts.

Described as “an old favourite of ‘Brits abroad’ which is now reinventing itself”, Malta saw an increase of 59% in flight searches on the popular travel site year-onyear. Skyscanner predicts this increase to continue in the coming months as the island becomes a serious contender for short-haul weekend breaks. In addition to new boutique hotels and trendy bars in Valletta complementing an emerging dance scene, the Maltese islands were identified as “one of the best new music destinations in the making, with bigname international events lined up for 2017”. Apart from beaches, “speedy flight times and direct routes from more than 10 UK airports”, Skyscanner mentions Annie Mac’s Lost and Found party event in April as one of the key reasons to visit.

MTA CEO Paul Bugeja greeted this announcement with great satisfaction. He commented that: “Topping Skyscanner’s list of destinations for 2017 is another positive achievement for Malta. We are particularly happy to note that, after years in which Malta’s image was failing to appeal to the younger generation of British travellers, this is changing for the better. In this regard, MTA’s diversification strategy in this market is clearly bearing fruit.”

Mr Bugeja added that: “The regeneration of Valletta and the three cities, a wider choice of stylish accommodation, restaurants and bars, a buzzing nightlife and a vibrant cultural scene, together with a varied and all year round calendar of events, are contributing to make Malta increasingly popular with this new type of tourist.”

In addition to Malta, the other destinations featured on Skyskanner’s top 7 list include Asturias (northern Spain), Barbados, Cornwall, Romania, Okinawa (Japan) and Ras Al Khaimah (UAE).

For more information visit www.skyscanner.net/news/inspiration/travel-trends-where-to-goin-2017/