Malta and Gozo have taken centre stage in the opening episode of Richard E. Grant’s Very Modern Odyssey, a new four-part travel series inspired by Homer’s The Odyssey, bringing Malta’s rich history, culture, gastronomy and landscapes to international audiences.
The series follows acclaimed actor and broadcaster Richard E. Grant as he explores locations connected to the epic journey of Odysseus, combining history, culture, food and contemporary experiences.
The first episode aired on Sunday, the 2nd of August, in the UK on Channel 4, Canada on CBC and Australia on SBS, with the Maltese Islands featuring prominently throughout the programme.
The Malta Tourism Authority’s Digital Unit, through its Film Tourism and History work, coordinated the Malta episode with the programme’s producers, helping facilitate the production and ensuring that the Islands’ historical and cultural assets were an integral part of the programme.
The episode begins in Malta’s Grand Harbour before taking viewers through Valletta and its extraordinary heritage, including St John’s Co-Cathedral, whilst also featuring experiences in Gozo. Malta’s gastronomy, architecture, history and Mediterranean character are a central part of Grant’s journey, offering international viewers an engaging perspective on the Islands.
The MTA said that the production has also received positive international media attention. In a review of the opening episode, The Guardian described [1] Very Modern Odyssey as a “real success of a show”, highlighting Grant’s evident fascination with Malta and his experiences in Valletta and Gozo.
Malta Tourism Authority CEO Carlo Micallef said, ”this collaboration gives the Maltese Islands an important platform to reach discerning international travellers through an engaging and authentic story. By showcasing our history, culture, gastronomy and unique character, the programme demonstrates that Malta offers the depth of experience increasingly sought by quality-conscious visitors that MTA’s marketing and PR are specifically targeting in its international promotion of the Maltese Islands”
Malta Tourism Authority Chairman Dr Charles Mangion said, ”having the Maltese Islands feature so prominently in the opening episode of Very Modern Odyssey strengthens our international visibility among audiences who value culture, history and authentic experiences. This is the type of exposure that supports our ambition to attract quality tourism throughout the year.”
The Malta Tourism Authority said that collaborations such as this form part of its ”wider international marketing strategy, using high-quality television and digital productions to introduce the Maltese Islands to new audiences and strengthen their appeal across key tourism segments.”
Photo: MTA