Air Malta Offers Agents Virtual Tools for Promoting Winter Travel to the Maltese Islands

Online, November 18, 2010 (Newswire.com) - MALTA - "The Malta Guide" (www.themaltaguide.com) is Air Malta's state-of-the-art virtual destination guide designed to help travel professionals entice their clients to visit the magnificent Maltese Islands from the comfort of their homes or travel agent offices. The Malta Guide is filled with inspiring recommendations, video diaries, practical travel advice and "best of Malta" lists to provide discerning tourists with useful information and advice for traveling to this intriguing European destination. Additionally, The Malta Guide provides travel agents with expert destination knowledge and with virtual tools to help promote and sell this exotic Mediterranean destination to U.S. travelers seeking an extraordinary winter escape.

Boasting impeccably sunny weather, sprawling beaches, tempting cuisine, a thriving nightlife and more than 7,000 years of intriguing history, Malta has something to appeal to every travelers' tastes. The Malta Guide features destination focused video diaries that provide a glimpse into Malta's rich history, breathtaking views and ancient cities. These video diaries serve as excellent travel agent marketing and promotional tools that can be emailed directly to clients or shared through a variety of social media outlets including Facebook, Twitter, Digg and much more - all with just a simple click of a button.

The Malta Guide also features interesting and informative "Best of Malta" lists for prospective visitors to peruse - including the Best Beaches, Top 10 Things to Eat and Top Historic Sites. Additionally, a section titled "Street Smarts" provides international visitors with practical travel information including island hospitals and health care services, currency and foreign exchange information, upcoming island events, public holidays and Fiestas, where to access Wifi and much more. The Malta Guide also offers a simple drop-down menu for travel agents to explore additional Malta travel information, including recommended spas, dining, hotel accommodations, sports, entertainment, shopping, nightlife and tours.

Below is a sampling of some of the "Best of Malta" recommendations that Air Malta has compiled, to inspire and excite prospective travelers to experience this one-of-a-kind destination:

• Top Historic Sites: Hal Saflieni Hypogeum (an underground temple that was hewn out of solid rock over 5500 years ago), the Silent City of Mdina (Malta's first historic capital city), the mysterious Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Temples (Malta's equivalent to Stonehedge, these ancient temples were built between 3600-3200 BC), Fort St. Elmo (the still standing Fort that guarded Malta's Grand Harbour in 1565).

• Top Things to Eat: Rizzi (Sea Urchins), Pastizzi (Cheese & Pea Cakes), Fenkata (a traditional Rabbit meal -rabbit is the national meat of Malta), Twisties (a favorite snack of the Maltese).

Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta is the largest of the three Maltese Islands and is brimming with attractions to appeal to everyone's tastes. The modern, Capital city of Valletta is bustling with energy and is known for its fine cuisine and cafes, shopping, theatres, art galleries and lively nightlife. Just a short drive away, travelers will feel as if they've stepped back in time as they explore charming medieval towns and fishing villages flanked by palaces, ancient churches, baroque architecture and old-world shops. With a year-round tropical climate and spectacular beaches overlooking the deep blue Mediterranean Sea, Malta is also known for its numerous watersports including some of the world's best scuba diving and snorkeling sites just offshore.

The Malta Guide can be accessed via the Air Malta website or by visiting the following link: http://www.themaltaguide.com/. Travel agents who are interested in booking or inquiring about U.S. travel to Malta can call 1-866-357-4155 and ask for either Marc Stafrace or Valerie Jobst.

Air Malta operates a modern fleet of aircraft to over 50 destinations in Europe, North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, with 200 flights a week. The carrier remains Malta's premier airline, offering an extensive choice of air services from a variety of locations to/from Malta International Airport. With a strong commitment to service and value, Air Malta strives for each individual passenger to experience the true meaning of Maltese hospitality. Air Malta offers travel agents net airline rates and special destination packages and promotions, as well as tiered commission options for agents based on bookings. For additional information about travel to Malta, visit www.airmalta.com.