Malta Day UK 2015, now in its 15th year, is being celebrated in London under the auspices of Minister for Tourism Dr Edward Zammit Lewis and presided by the High Commissioner of Malta in the United Kingdom Norman Hamilton.
This event is organised annually by the Malta Day UK Committee composed of many Maltese organisations/institutions in the UK and attended by large numbers of Maltese from all over Britain.
The activities during the day included a Fair selling Maltese food and crafts, a concelebrated Mass at Westminster Cathedral, a fireworks display and a procession through the streets of Westminster – showcasing Maltese faith, heritage and cultural traditions.
At the end of a celebratory mass at Westminster Cathedral, the Minister for Tourism Dr Edward Zammit Lewis delivered a speech on this occasion and stated that Malta Day UK is definitely evidence of the continued success the Maltese Islands are experiencing through various tourism niches.
The Minister stated that there is no doubt that the links between Malta and the UK have never been stronger than they are today, where twelve airports across the UK will be offering flights to Malta this winter. This surely has facilitated our market reach and opened new markets for Malta.
Furthermore, the Minister for Tourism Dr Edward Zammit Lewis announced that the marketing of the Maltese Islands within the UK will receive an additional boost over the coming months, as a new team takes its place at the Malta Tourist Office in London and recently Mr Peter Vella has taken up the post as MTA’s Director for the UK and Ireland.
Dr Zammit Lewis emphasised that a focused marketing plan relating to upcoming major events to generate further UK media interest is being put in place. Malta’s international profile will undoubtedly be further enhanced as we host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) this November.
The Minister for Tourism Dr Edward Zammit Lewis was accompanied by his wife Dr Elena Farrugia for the celebrations of Malta Day UK 2015.
He concluded his address thanking the High Commissioner of Malta in the United Kingdom Norman Hamilton for inviting him as a guest of honour during the Malta Day UK 2015 and for the Maltese community in the UK for welcoming him so warmly.
The Minister reiterated that tourism is a formidable tool to further enhance cooperation between the two countries and forge new strategic alliances for the benefit of all.