Air New Zealand has announced that they will once again partner with Wamos Air to enhance its service offerings during the upcoming busy summer and Easter holiday season. This collaboration comes as the airline navigates ongoing global engine supply challenges from partners, Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney.
The Samoa Tourism Authority extends its congratulations to Seabreeze Resort for another exceptional achievement of being recognized as Samoa’s Leading Hotel 2025 by the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA). This remarkable accolade marks the 13th consecutive year since 2013 that Seabreeze has been awarded this honour, highlighting its unwavering commitment to excellence in the hospitality sector.
Gibraltar Continues its programme of regenerating key tourist sites in destination. These include:
The Opening of Moorish Castle & the Northern Defences
Gibraltar’s iconic Moorish Castle is being reborn. Extensive restoration of the Tower of Homage and adjacent structures is opening spaces unseen for centuries and creating new walkways that link the Castle directly to the revitalised Northern Defences—an immersive chain of bastions, tunnels, and gun positions now open and undergoing further visitor-focused upgrades. Together they form a seamless heritage corridor from Casemates to the Upper Rock, inviting residents and visitors to explore Gibraltar’s layered story in one dramatic ascent.
WWII Tunnels: What’s New & What’s Next
“The Tunnels – Gibraltar’s WWII Experience” relaunched in 2025 after a full upgrade: interactive exhibits, rich period film, and a dramatic Spitfire Hall event space (up to ~500 pax) have transformed the attraction for FIT and MICE alike. Next-phase works are in development to deepen storytelling—focusing on Gibraltar’s artillery heritage in the Gunners Gallery and curated artefacts, including an original, functional BSA M20 military motorcycle. Further features to be announced.
The Mount: Gibraltar’s New Events & Social Hub
Set in 30,000m² of landscaped grounds above the harbour, The Mount is steadily reopening as a year-round events and community hub. July 2025 saw the first major event in years inside the refurbished Parasol Hall—kick-starting a phased return of concerts, brand activations, and private functions—on the back of site improvements to paths, terraces, and links to the Nature Reserve. Venue enquiries are rising as further phases unlock gardens and trails.
City Under Siege Exhibition (18th-Century Life Under Fire)
A cornerstone of Upper Rock heritage, the City Under Siege complex is now under active restoration to protect extraordinary original soldiers’ graffiti (earliest dated 1726) and refresh interpretation of daily life during the sieges. The project is being delivered by Wright Tech—the team behind the WWII Tunnels upgrade—ensuring cohesive storytelling and modern visitor standards across Gibraltar’s headline heritage sites.
Trinity Lighthouse (Europa Point): Refreshed & Readying for Visitors
Europa Point’s Trinity Lighthouse—Trinity House’s only light outside mainland UK—has undergone external maintenance in 2025 while Gibraltar advances plans to open the landmark for managed visitor access, including public open days earlier this year. These steps pave the way for guided visits at one of the Strait’s most photogenic beacons.
Brexit Treaty: Why It’s Good for Tourism
Negotiations between the UK and EU on Gibraltar have advanced significantly with the direction of travel pointing toward arrangements designed to keep people moving smoothly across the frontier and through key gateways. For visitors, that would translate into a more predictable and seamless travel experience. For the industry, a stable framework could broaden our marketing reach across Southern Spain and the wider Schengen area, enable schedule planning with confidence, and support growth in air connectivity and tour operations. Visit Gibraltar is working with partners so that, once terms are confirmed, we can quickly translate opportunities into new routes, packages, and events—strengthening Gibraltar’s position as a distinctive Mediterranean shortbreak and business destination.
The June 2025 EU‑UK agreement charts a border‑light future for Gibraltar: Schengen‑style mobility with checks moved to the airport and port, dismantling the land fence and easing flows for cross‑border workers and visitors. For tourism, that unlocks frictionless access from Schengen markets, a larger catchment beyond Málaga and Seville, smoother tour operations, and scope for expanded air connectivity to EU hubs. Implementation is targeted to start in 2026.
Valletta Resounds: The Caravaggio Experience celebrated its 100th performance on Friday, 3 October 2025, at the Oratory of St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta.
Produced by Udjenza under the artistic direction of Toni Attard, the production first premiered in 2023 and has since welcomed over 9,000 audience members, most of them international visitors.
This unique cultural event brings together music, theatre, and art, set against the dramatic backdrop of Caravaggio’s masterpiece, The Beheading of St John the Baptist. The 5-star visitor experience has been hailed by audiences as “very moving,” “beautiful and captivating,” and “a gem of a performance.”
The story is narrated by the character of Fra Bartolomeo, performed by Jeremy Grech and understudied by Myron Ellul, who guides audiences through the turbulent life of Caravaggio and the history of the Knights of Malta.
Under the musical direction of Jacob Portelli, the performance weaves classical repertoire performed on Baroque harp, cello, psaltery, and the original Co-Cathedral organ which was recently restored. Throughout its run, the production has presented some of Malta’s leading sopranos, including Dorothy Bezzina, Dorothy Baldacchino, Hannah Tong, and Gabrielle Portelli.
For those seeking an enhanced experience, the production also offers a VIP pre-performance tour in collaboration with VIP Tours Malta, granting visitors rare, crowd-free access to the main nave of the Co-Cathedral before the show.
Chief Executive Officer of St John’s Co-Cathedral, Tonio Mallia stated that viewing the Co-Cathedral not only as a cathedral and museum, but also as an alternative cultural experience for visitors, marks the next phase in the landmark’s development. “It is particularly fascinating,” he noted, “because these performances are not simply stories retold, but immersive experiences that incorporate the distinctive features of the Oratory, including its restored organ, transporting audiences back to the time of the Knights of the Order.”
Opening the Co-Cathedral’s doors for such performances after visiting hours represents a remarkable collaboration that bridges heritage and contemporary culture. Beyond its daytime role as a sacred and historical site, St John’s transforms at night into a living stage that amplifies Malta’s artistic identity to local and international audiences. Hosting a performance within the Oratory, offers audiences a rare opportunity to engage with history through sound, light, and storytelling in the very space that inspired it.
Toni Attard, Artistic Director of Udjenza, said: “Thanks to our collaboration with St John’s Co-Cathedral and the support of Visit Malta, we have created an unforgettable, high-quality cultural experience that builds on Malta’s unique and rich heritage, in one of Valletta’s most beautiful and intimate settings, for both local and international audiences.”
What makes this milestone even more significant is that a regular long run of 100 performances is rare in Malta, marking a breakthrough model that strengthens the sustainability of the performing arts sector while setting a new benchmark for cultural productions on the island.
To meet growing demand, additional performance dates have been released until December 2025 and further dates for 2026 are expected to be announced soon.
For further information and tickets visit www.vallettaresounds.com
After years of careful restoration, the 17th-century St Thomas Tower in Marsascala has reopened its doors. The iconic coastal fortification has been transformed into a state-of-the-art museum that brings Malta’s fascinating history of pirates and corsairs vividly to life.
Thanks to a €3.39 million EU-co-funded project led by the Malta Tourism Authority in collaboration with Fondazzjoni Wirt ARtna, this national landmark now offers an immersive experience that blends history with innovation.
Visitors can explore stories of sea battles, notorious pirates, and Malta’s crucial role in defending the Mediterranean. The museum features interactive displays, projection mapping, and multi-sensory installations, making it an exciting adventure for families, students, and history lovers alike.
At the opening, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Hon Ian Borg said the project breathes new life into one of Malta’s historical treasures, turning St Thomas Tower into a high-quality cultural attraction that preserves the site, enhances Marsascala’s appeal year-round, and supports a more diverse and sustainable tourism industry.
Originally built in 1614 by the Knights of St John, St Thomas Tower was designed to protect Marsascala’s bay and nearby villages from seaborne attacks. Today, after extensive restoration including structural consolidation, masonry repair, improved accessibility, and energy-efficient upgrades, it stands ready to welcome a new generation of visitors.
Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
Activities: Guided tours, educational programmes, and family-friendly experiences throughout the year.
Learn more and book your visit: www.wirtartna.org/st-thomas-tower
07 October 2025: Today, Conde Nast Traveller magazine unveiled the results of its annual UK Readers’ Choice Awards, and Valletta has taken the top spot in the European cities and Worldwide cities categories, fighting off stiff competition including Venice, Paris, Rome, Sydney, Tokyo and Palma.
Condé Nast Traveller received over 182,500 survey responses from readers across the United Kingdom, rating their travel experiences worldwide to offer a comprehensive look at the places they eagerly anticipate revisiting. The Readers’ Choice Awards, with their unparalleled legacy as the travel industry’s longest-running and most prestigious accolades, remain the ultimate symbol and acknowledgement of excellence within the travel sector.
Tolene van der Merwe, Director UK and Ireland, Malta Tourism Authority, said, “Being awarded as the top city in Europe and the World is a huge accolade for the city of Valletta. While it might be one of the smallest cities in Europe, this award shows that the combination of history, great restaurants, and unforgettable experiences is giving Conde Nast Traveller readers what they want from a city break. We have witnessed demand for holidays to Malta in particular, trips to Valletta increase over the years, with many visitors choosing to travel in the shoulder seasons. Our connectivity from the UK, with flights from 19 airports and the short flight time, is proving incredibly popular. We are absolutely delighted with this award and look forward to welcoming Conde Nast Traveller readers to Malta very soon.”
The full list of winners can be found online here https://www.cntraveller.com/article/readers-choice-winners-2025, and the Worldwide list can be found here https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-cities-in-world
For more information about Malta and Valletta visit www.visitmalta.com
VisitMalta is proud to announce its support of the internationally acclaimed Rolex Middle Sea Race 2025. Considered one of the world’s most prestigious offshore yacht races, over 120 yachts will set sail from the Grand Harbour in Malta to circumnavigate Sicily along an anticlockwise route.
The 2025 edition promises to bring an atmosphere unlike any other across Valletta and the Three Cities. Spectators are invited to witness the spectacular Start of the Race on Saturday, 18th October 2025, and take part in an unforgettable celebration of maritime sport, Maltese culture, and Mediterranean hospitality.
Key Race Dates
The official race start will be an extraordinary spectacle, featuring seven different yachting class starts, each sounded by the cannons of the Saluting Battery at 10-minute intervals. The first start is at 11:00 hrs. The starting line, stretching between the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta and Fort St Angelo in Birgu, is among the most iconic and photogenic race starts in the sailing world.
Where to Watch – Best Viewpoints Around the Grand Harbour
Spectators can enjoy prime public vantage points, including:
Celebrations in Valletta & Birgu – 18 October
The Grand Harbour area will come alive with historic pageantry and live performances:
Heritage Malta Invites You to Two Prestigious Forts
In celebration of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, Heritage Malta is offering exclusive access on 18th October:
A Celebration Across the Cities
The Rolex Middle Sea Race 2025 is not only a sporting event but a celebration of Malta’s deep-rooted connection to the sea. Across Valletta, Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua, shops, bars, and restaurants will join in, creating a festive nautical atmosphere.
This is a unique opportunity to experience a world-class sailing event in one of the world’s most historic harbours. Malta’s distinctive blend of sport, history, and hospitality guarantees an unforgettable experience.
Official Programme & Live Tracking
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This is where Visit Sweden offers a relaxed atmosphere for senior travel industry professionals in the UK to meet Swedish suppliers.
Credits: Tina Stafrén/imagebank.sweden.se
Set the stage for your next visit to Miami by adding a must-see theatre performance to your vacation plans. The Adrienne Arsht Centre and Broadway Across America are celebrating 20 years of Broadway in Miami with an exciting 2025-26 line-up that includes Miami premieres and blockbuster musicals.
Don’t miss this milestone season, which kicks off in October.
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