August is an ideal time to visit Greater Miami & Miami Beach. Take advantage of irresistible offers like Miami Spice Restaurant Months and Miami Spa Months. For foodies, Miami Spice features special three-course menus at participating restaurants, priced at $35 for brunch and lunch, and dinner for $45 or $60. With Miami Spa Months, you can indulge in luxurious spa treatments specially priced at $109, $159 and $199. August also marks Black Business Month, the perfect opportunity to discover and support your new favourite Black-owned businesses in Miami. Plus, the city is buzzing with events and exhibits to explore throughout the month.
The St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation proudly announces the opening of Grand Ambitions, a landmark exhibition that shines a spotlight on the visionary 16th-century Italian architect Francesco Laparelli da Cortona, whose Renaissance blueprint laid the foundations of Valletta. The exhibition will run until Friday 18th July 2025 in the Caravaggio Wing at St John’s Co-Cathedral.
On display are original drawings by Laparelli, including a rare map of Malta and four drawings of Valletta on loan from the Accademia Etrusca di Cortona, exhibited in Malta for the very first time. These works provide invaluable insight into Laparelli’s conceptualisation of Valletta, not only as a formidable stronghold but as a harmoniously designed civic and religious centre. His assistance, Girolamo Cassar, later brought these plans to life, designing many of the city’s iconic buildings, including the Conventual Church of St John the Baptist.
The exhibition was inaugurated by an extraordinary organ concert by Josep Sole Coll, the acclaimed chief organist of St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
His spiritually charged performance set the tone for the exhibition’s celebration of sacred architecture and cultural heritage, held within the stunning baroque surroundings of the Co-Cathedral.
During the inauguration, Prof. Mons Emmanuel Agius, President of the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation, addressed the significance of Laparelli’s legacy. As he adressed the attendees, Agius stated “This exhibition is more than a tribute to Francesco Laparelli. It’s a celebration of the enduring legacy of intelligent design, civic responsibility, and the power of imagination rooted in intellectual discipline. Laparelli’s collaboration with the Knights of St John and his deep understanding of art and science of urban design single him out as not just an architect of stone and bastion, but as an architect of destiny.”
Key collaborations included Adriana Alescio, Chief Curatorial and Conservation Officer of St John’s Co-Cathedral, Mr Sandro Adario, a representative of the Laparelli family, and Dr Patrizia Rocchini, Head Librarian of the Biblioteca Comunale and of the Accademia Etrusca di Cortona. Together, they reflected on the enduring impact of Laparelli’s architectural vision and the historical and cultural ties between Malta and Cortona.
The evening concluded with a special lecture by Prof Conrad Thake, on Francesco Laparelli and the Genesis of Valletta, a leading scholar in Maltese architectural history. His insights into Laparelli’s urban planning reinforce the exhibition’s aim to reconnect the public with the roots of Valletta’s cityscape.
St John’s Co-Cathedral continues to serve as a living monument, one that not only conserves Malta’s rich heritage but actively engages with it through music, scholarship, and visual art.
Entry to the exhibition is included with the purchase of a general admission ticket to St John’s Co-Cathedral.
This project is made by St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation, Visit Malta, Comune di Cortona, Accademia Entrusca di Cortona, Biblioteca del Comune di Cortona e dell’Accademia Etrusca, and the Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca e della Città di Cortona.
For more information, visit: www.stjohnscocathedral.com
Get ready for an end-of-summer event and a musical journey like no other as the first edition of Aftersun Festival enters the Maltese Islands’ events calendar this 17th September 2025.
Headlining the first edition is no one other than Malta’s most loved artist, Robbie Williams, with Malta’s current number one artists, Aidan, warming things up and legendary electronic artist Gigi D’Agostino taking centre stage for the after-party as Fosos.
Event Details:
Name: Aftersun Festival feat. Robbie Williams, Gigi D’Agostino and Aidan
Date: Wednesday, 17 September 2025
Venue: Fosos, Floriana, Malta
Aftersun Festival will blend world-class performances with the unmistakable charm of the Mediterranean. Bringing together global legends and a local icon. This first edition promises an unforgettable experience. Aftersun is designed to capture that beautiful moment where warmth fades away and memories are made. The festival is aimed to be the perfect summer send-off, and the organisers aim to live up to that expectation.
This festival will be an opportunity for Malta to witness Robbie Williams’ talent and showmanship live once again, with a performance that yet again promises to be a remarkable one. The organisers are thrilled to bring this great talent to the islands once again together with Gigi D’ Agostino, an electronic artist of a legendary status and Aidan, a local start who is making great waves in the industry.
For more information, please visit the official event website at www.aftersun.mt, as well as @aftersunfestival on all social media platforms.
Visit Malta become title of sponsor of Hungerford Day with Clean Bandit on Saturday 16th August; one lucky racegoer to win a holiday to Malta
Newbury Racecourse is pleased to announce a new partnership with Visit Malta – the official tourism site for Malta, Gozo and Comino – with a holiday up for grabs courtesy of the exciting new link-up.
Visit Malta becomes the title sponsor of the Racecourse’s Visit Malta Hungerford Day on Saturday 16th August, with Clean Bandit performing live after racing. The feature race of the day, the Group 2 seven-furlong contest worth £150,000, will be run as the Visit Malta Hungerford Stakes.
To celebrate their new association with Newbury Racecourse, Visit Malta is generously offering one lucky racegoer in attendance at Visit Malta Hungerford Day with Clean Bandit on Saturday 16th August the opportunity to win a holiday, complete with flights and luxury accommodation, to Malta.
Tolene van der Merwe, Visit Malta Director: UK & Ireland, commented: “Visit Malta is proud to become the title partner of Visit Malta Hungerford Day with Clean Bandit. Just as Malta offers unforgettable experiences rooted in rich heritage and vibrant spirit, this raceday brings people together to celebrate excellence and excitement.
‘’We look forward to sharing the unique essence of the Maltese Islands with all attendees and welcoming one lucky winner to the islands on us.”
For their chance to win, those in attendance on the day will just need to utilise the Racecourse’s free Wi-Fi during their visit, with the winner announced before Clean Bandit take to the stage after racing.
Shaun Hinds, Chief Executive Officer at Newbury Racecourse, commented on the new partnership: “We are delighted to announce our new partnership with Visit Malta and extend our thanks for their support of Hungerford Day with Clean Bandit. We’re excited to celebrate the very best of Maltese culture and are thrilled Visit Malta’s generosity will see one of our racegoers win a luxury holiday – all while enjoying one of the most popular racedays in our calendar.’’
Visit Malta Hungerford Day is part of the Racecourse’s biggest ever summer of music – with three other big music racedays in the calendar between July and September – with discounted Early Bird tickets available until Friday 4th July.
For more information on Visit Malta Hungerford Day – and everything happening at Newbury Racecourse in 2025 – simply visit www.newburyracecourse.co.uk.
To explore 3,000 hours of sunshine and find out more about what’s on offer in the Maltese Islands head to www.visitmalta.com.
The Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) has maintained its long-standing partnership with Representation Plus, re-appointing the destination marketing specialist to manage its marketing across Europe. The decision follows a rigorous competitive tender process.
Representation Plus has served as the European office for STA for over 15 years, leading trade and consumer marketing and media relations efforts across the continent. Their work has been instrumental in driving awareness and visitation to the South Pacific nation.
Latest data from 2024 highlights the strength of the partnership: visitor numbers from Europe have risen by 33.8% compared to 2023. These results reflect sustained demand and continued interest from European travellers, reinforcing Samoa’s position as a top emerging destination in the Pacific.
Building on this momentum, the focus for 2025/26 is on increasing awareness through a packed programme of trade and consumer activity. Plans include participation in key trade shows and travel events across Europe, targeted training for travel agents, and media outreach to showcase Samoa’s diverse offering.
A major highlight will be hosting European tour operators at the Samoa Tourism Exchange in spring 2026. This fully hosted annual event offers agents the opportunity to explore the islands first-hand, inspect accommodation and new attractions, and connect directly with local DMCs and tourism providers.
Alison Cryer MBE, Managing Director at Representation Plus, commented: “We are thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with Samoa Tourism. Over the past 15 years, we’ve built a deep understanding of the destination and how best to position it in the European market. This continuity has delivered strong results in a highly competitive travel environment. Samoa’s ethos and commitment to sustainability resonates strongly with European travellers, and we’re excited to help more people discover its natural beauty and rich culture.”
Key campaigns over the last couple of years have included consumer campaigns around the Rugby World Cup in 2023 and the Paris Olympics in 2024, as well capitalising on King Charles and Queen Camilla’s visit to Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which took place in Apia, Samoa from 21-26 October 2024. It was the first CHOGM to be held in a Pacific Small Island Developing State.
Samoa Tourism also welcomed celebrity chef, Monica Galetti as brand ambassador to Samoa earlier this year. Galetti’s visit is part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing Samoa’s visibility on the global stage, including the United Kingdom and Europe. In 2024, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York also visited Samoa and shared many images on her Instagram.
The countdown is on. FIFA World Cup 26™ is just 12 months away from kicking off in Greater Miami & Miami Beach!
Get ready for electrifying action as Miami hosts world-class matches at Hard Rock Stadium, which will be known as Miami Stadium during the tournament. All eyes will be on Miami Gardens as it takes centre stage on the global sports scene.
A true international sports hub, Greater Miami & Miami Beach continues to make waves — from hosting this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup to major events like the Formula 1 Crypto Miami Grand Prix, the Miami Open, and the Miami Marathon. With even more global competitions on the horizon, Miami’s future is set to be nothing short of legendary.
Nestled in the lush foothills of Mount Vaea, just minutes from central Apia, Moanalei Villas is poised to become Samoa’s premier boutique luxury villa accommodation. With construction well underway, this exclusive development will offer a new benchmark in high-end hospitality on the island.
Samoa has officially enacted a legally binding Marine Spatial Plan, becoming one of the first Pacific Island nations to commit to fully protecting 30% and ensuring sustainable management of 100% of its vast 120,000-square-kilometer ocean territory. This landmark decision underscores Samoa’s dedication to safeguarding its marine environment and sets a global precedent for large ocean states.
Marking a new record number of visitors in the last year, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) emphasized the high-performing visitor economy and communicated the benefits of tourism in Miami-Dade County at its annual State of the Travel & Tourism Industry event. More than 600 attendees, including GMCVB industry partners, government officials and community leaders, gathered at Jungle Island to celebrate Greater Miami and Miami Beach’s robust tourism ecosystem and one of the destination’s main economic drivers.
Get ready for an unforgettable summer in Greater Miami & Miami Beach, where the energy is rising and the experiences are hotter than ever. From hosting an international sporting spectacle to unveiling trendy new restaurants and dazzling hotel openings, the destination is buzzing with reasons to plan your perfect summer escape.
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