Tolene Van der Merwe will focus on leading a London-based team to further develop and cultivate partnerships with tour operators, airlines, travel agents and niche specialists.

It was a busy year for Malta, with Valletta name the European Capital of Culture, and the island also hosting the first European TropOut Festival in September. Boasting 300 days of sun a year, the archipelago has a wealth of history and culture, stunning landscapes and a warm climate, which makes Malta appealing to the British traveller.

The Malta Tourism Authority has added to its UK team with the appointment of Lindsey Thorpe as the new UK & Ireland MICE manager.

Halfway between Gibraltar, on the tip of the Iberian Peninsula to the west, and the Egyptian port of Alexandria to the east, Malta has for centuries been crossroads for civilisation. Here Breaking Travel News editor Chris O’Toole lands for a short break and discovers a culture-led destination comfortable with a rapidly growing number of visitors.

Corinthia Hotel St George’s Bay forms part of Malta’s leading upscale international brand, Corinthia Hotels. Opened in 1995, the hotel seeks to offer a passion for craftsmanship and an understanding of world-class service. Here Breaking Travel News editor Chris O’Toole discovers more on a spring visit to the Mediterranean destination.

The UK and Ireland office of the Malta Tourism Authority is the first tourism board to partner with leading online travel brand, Beautiful Destinations, to create high-quality marketing assets to bolster Malta’s promotional efforts.