When considering locations for incentive travel, the picturesque island nation of Malta offers a blend of captivating history, vibrant culture, and stunning Mediterranean landscapes. As corporations increasingly recognise the value of incentive travel to boost morale, reward performance, and foster team cohesion, Malta stands out as a premier choice. In this blog post, we’ll explore why Malta is an ideal destination for corporate groups, delve into some statistics that underscore its appeal, and highlight top hotels and activities that make it a must-visit for businesses looking to incentivise and reward their teams.
Why Choose Malta for Incentive Travel?
Incentive travel is not just about relaxation; it’s about inspiring and motivating a workforce in environments that are both stimulating and rewarding. Malta, with its eclectic blend of influences from Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, presents an alluring package of experiences that are both enriching and exhilarating.
The World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report consistently ranks Malta highly for its business environment, safety and security, health and hygiene, and air transport infrastructure. These factors are critical when planning corporate travel, ensuring that guests can enjoy a seamless and safe experience.
1. Accessibility: Malta is highly accessible, with direct flights from major cities in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The Malta International Airport is well-connected and just a short drive from most major towns and attractions on the island.
2. Climate: Boasting over 300 sunny days a year, Malta’s climate is predominantly Mediterranean. This makes it a year-round destination, where outdoor activities and exploration are always on the cards.
3. Compact Size: The advantage of Malta’s small size is that it’s incredibly easy to get around. This means less time in transit and more time enjoying activities and experiences. Whether it’s a meeting in a historic palace, a team-building activity on the beach, or a gala dinner in a fort, everything is conveniently accessible.
Statistical Insights
Tourism is a vital part of Malta’s economy. According to the Malta Tourism Authority, the island welcomed over 2.6 million visitors in 2019. The significance of tourism, especially niche sectors like incentive travel, is recognized and well-facilitated. The same data suggests a high satisfaction rate, with over 80% of visitors expressing high satisfaction levels with their visit, which speaks volumes of Malta’s capability to host business and leisure travellers alike.
Top Hotels for Incentive Groups
Luxury accommodation is key in incentive travel, and Malta doesn’t disappoint. Here are some top hotels that specialise in catering to corporate groups:
1. The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux: Located in the medieval city of Mdina, The Xara Palace provides a unique setting. With 17 individually designed rooms and suites, this hotel offers exclusivity and privacy, along with stunning views of the island.
2. Hilton Malta: Overlooking the Portomaso waterfront harbour in St. Julian’s, Hilton Malta offers a blend of sophistication and comfort. With well-equipped meeting rooms and facilities for large groups, it’s perfect for corporate events.
3. The Westin Dragonara Resort: Also in St. Julian’s, this resort boasts spacious accommodation and a variety of indoor and outdoor venues for meetings, conferences, or informal gatherings. Its location allows easy access to local attractions.
4. The Phoenicia Malta: Located just outside the historic city walls of Valletta, the UNESCO World Heritage capital city, The Phoenicia Malta is a restored 1920s-era hotel offering luxury accommodations and sweeping views of the harbour. Its facilities include several meeting rooms and grand halls ideal for corporate events, alongside a newly-opened spa perfect for relaxation after a day of meetings or team-building activities.
Activities to Enrich the Experience
To ensure an unforgettable incentive trip, integrating unique local experiences is key. Malta offers a plethora of activities that can enhance team bonding and provide memorable experiences.
1. Historical Tours: With an extensive history spanning over 7,000 years, Malta is a treasure trove of historical sites. Organised tours to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Valletta, Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, and the Megalithic Temples can be both educational and awe-inspiring.
2. Team Building Activities: From yacht charters around the beautiful Maltese archipelago to adventure activities like scuba diving and rock climbing, Malta offers numerous options to foster teamwork and camaraderie amongst employees.
3. Culinary Experiences: Maltese cuisine is as diverse as its culture. Incentive groups can enjoy organised tours that include wine tasting at local vineyards and cooking classes to learn how to prepare traditional Maltese dishes.
4. Wellness and Relaxation: The island is not short of deluxe spas and wellness centres. Tailored spa days can be arranged to help unwind after a busy day of meetings or team-building activities.
5. CSR Initiatives: Engage your team in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that contribute to the local community. Whether it’s a clean-up day on one of the beaches or supporting a local NGO, these activities can enhance team spirit and give back to the destination that hosts your group.
6. Adventure Activities: For the thrill-seekers, Malta offers plenty of adventure activities, from rock climbing and abseiling to scuba diving in some of Europe’s clearest waters. These activities can challenge and energise your team, creating lasting bonds and memories.
Cultural Events
Participating in local events can give a real taste of Maltese culture. The Malta Jazz Festival, the Fireworks Festival, and the traditional festas (village feasts) are great for groups to experience local culture and festivity.
Conclusion
Malta, with its combination of historical significance, modern luxury, and a warm, sunny climate, stands as a compelling choice for incentive travel. Its comprehensive offer of activities, top-tier accommodation, and small but packed size make it an ideal destination to reward and motivate teams in a setting that is both beautiful and culturally rich.
Get in touch with our friendly incentive travel experts today to start planning your next adventure to Malta!
