Malta Tourism Authority has teamed up with OTT to create a brand-new online training programme, learnlgbtmalta.org, to inform and educate travel agents about the archipelago’s strong LGBTQ+ travel credentials.

Having retained for a third consecutive year the top spot on the European Rainbow Index 2018, the new training website provides in-depth information about Malta’s path to becoming an inclusive LGBTQ+ destination.

Agents will also be educated about the plethora of accommodation, activities and places to visit.

Peter Vella, director UK & Ireland, Malta Tourism Authority, commented: “We pride ourselves on being a welcoming, safe destination for all travellers and travel agents are key to spreading awareness and the message amongst the UK audience.

“It’s important for the trade to be equipped with the right facts about LGBTQ+ travel to help travellers make an informed decision.

“We are excited to launch the new training programme to engage agents in a target market that is close to our hearts.”

For the third year running ILGA Europe ranked Malta as the number one travel destination on the European Rainbow Index 2018.

The index monitors the positive and negative impacts of European countries on the LGBTIQ community and gives a score out of 100 per cent.

Malta achieved 94.04% on the scale, which is 15.28 per cent higher than the second ranked country, owing to their respect for human rights and full equality in society.

Other recent milestones include the legalisation of same sex marriage in 2017 and introduction of gender-neutral passports earlier this year.

Malta, Gozo and Comino also have a thriving nightlife scene and each September Malta Pride brings Valletta’s streets alive with performers and colourful floats that celebrate love and diversity.