Introduction

Malta is a Mediterranean island and coastal destination with a tradition of tourism from the UK because of its historic links with Britain.

In fact, Malta is the largest of a group of three islands. The other smaller islands are called Gozo and Comino. Together these are known as the Maltese Islands. Most tourists stay on Malta but may visit at least one of the other islands on an excursion.

Malta has a long history as a number of nations have ruled the island in the past. Malta has a key position in the Mediterranean Sea where number of important battles and sieges have taken place. The main town, Valetta, is an historic city enclosed by a number of fortresses which have been built to defend the city from invaders.

Part of the importance of Malta is that Valetta has a very large harbour in which ships would be protected. Valetta’s Grand Harbour is still operates as a port and is very important for ships today.

Malta has been occupied by many nations. From 1800 the island has been occupied by the British. Malta was captured by the Germans in the Second World War and then re-captured by the British navy. After the Second World War British forces were stationed on the island.

Malta was a British colony before becoming independent and is now a member of the European Union using the euro as its currency. Due to these links with Britain, Malta became an important destination for early package holidaymakers in the 1960’s. These tourists were attracted partly because of a British feel to the island and the fact that English was widely spoken. Red telephone boxes and post boxes remain today and the Maltese people drive on the left hand side of the road.

The Maltese government also encouraged the growth of tourism and many hotels, providing accommodation for package holidaymakers, were built from the early 1970’s onwards.

Today the UK is still an important market for Malta, but tourists also arrive from Italy, Germany and Spain as well as other European countries.

Malta does not only provide for holiday tourism. Business tourism, health tourism and education tourism are also important.

Activity 1