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Airport traffic hints at summer recovery for Malta’s tourism

Airport traffic hints at summer recovery for Malta’s tourism
Jul 30 2021 Share

The COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on tourism was undoubtedly a hard hit for that same sector alongside the economy. The first four months of 2021 at the Malta International Airport ranked total traffic comparable to only a single average week in the same time period back in 2019. With strict travel restrictions due to the pandemic, May started to show the first recovery signs, with airlines commencing their summer operations. Important markets in France and Spain resumed, as June saw a total of 190,505 passengers travelling through the airport. 

This is a significant 153% increased when compared to May, with MIA head of traffic development Alex Cardona commenting how the positive trend continued throughout June and July. The easing of restrictions led to the release of a pent-up demand for air travel. The quarantine requirement for unvaccinated travellers however health an unprecedented blow to the local tourism industry’s performance. 

Cardona went on to highlight the return of several airlines and the upcoming cruise and fly operation initiative which will encourage votes of confidence in Malta. MIA CEO Alan Borg pointed out how the current travel restrictions ‘are not positioning the island as an easy destination of choice with travellers looking to book a Mediterranean holiday.’ 

Borg stated that despite the ‘fast-changing aviation landscape’, MIA is determined to continue working towards a sustainable recovery. 

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Local & international sports competitions hang in the balance due to pandemic uncertainty

Jul 30 2021 Share

With the last quarter of the year approaching soon, the fate of a considerable number of sports events hangs in the balance.

The likes of which include top global brands in Obstacle Course Racing such as Tough Mudder and Spartan Race, who are reportedly waiting for a clear direction on whether or not their events can take place due to current measures and restrictions making it very hard for events of this nature to be financially viable.

Other major events like Hold the Fort also remain in limbo on whether their 2021 edition will be held due to Malta’s current sporting guidelines, which were last updated in May 2021. Some have argued that the current measures and sporting guidelines are not so practical and sustainable for the hosting of such events and have even stated that one cannot get the ‘full experience’ of under these regulations.

Malta also serves as a major player in the progression of such events, with the country hosting a key qualifier event from Spartan Race’s World Championship event in Abu Dhabi.

Competitors and stakeholders in such events have expressed their perplexity at such uncertainty, with Malta boasting one of the most impressive vaccination rates in the world; potentially a deciding factor for most.

Others have also argued that due to such events being outdoor and do not involve contact, they pose less of a risk than their indoor counterparts which involve contact, many of which are being held around the world in countries which have a lesser rate of vaccination.

The coming days will be decisive for the organisers of the Obstacle Course Racing events as they will have to decide whether or not they will postpone their events for yet another year.

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2.5 tonnes of waste cleaned-up for World Nature Conservation Day

2.5 tonnes of waste cleaned-up for World Nature Conservation Day
Jul 30 2021 Share

With an initiative coordinated by Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development Miriam Dalli, over-30 divers, kayakers and snorkelers participated in an underwater clean-up in Senglea to mark the World Nature Conservation Day. In view of the clean-up campaign currently carried out by Parks Malta, environmental activist Raniero Borg was joined by the Energy and Water Agency (EWA) and the Water Services Corporation (WSC). The Senglea area was chosen after a seabed analysis revealed a substantial amount of illegally disposed waste. 

Over 2.5 tonnes of waste were collected during the clean-up, including tyres, vehicle parts, wood, pipes, chairs, glass and a host of other objects which were polluting Malta’s waters. Dalli thanked the entities for their support, explaining how Parks Malta has been organising various clean-ups across Malta. 275 tonnes of waste have been collected across eight clean-up activities across the island. The Minister emphasised how raising awareness about protecting the environment needs to be kept up, alongside creating open spaces for the Maltese and traveller to enjoy. 


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Photo Source: Miriam Dalli FB

Birkirkara eliminated after penalty heartbreak.

Jul 30 2021 Share

Yesterday evening, Birkirkara F.C. welcomed NK Olimpija Ljubljana to Malta, from Slovenia. NK Olimpija Ljubljana, who came in 3rd in the Slovenian PrvaLiga, were riding high after their first leg win over the Stripes. Birkirkara though didn’t give up and worked hard defensively to keep a clean-sheet in all 120 minutes of the game and offensively when midfielder Diego Venancio scored a stunning free-kick in the 26th minute of the game.

Birkirkara had many opportunities to seize the game by it’s hand and win the tie in 90, but they didn’t prove clinical enough. Their opponents also had plenty of chances, but like the Stripes, they didn’t capitalize on their chances. The game was so close that a penalty shootout was needed. The penalties started well for both teams, scoring their first 4 penalties but that trend ended when young exciting Maltese player Paul Mbong stepped-up and unfortunately missed. Goalkeeper Daniel Fernandes had to save the next penalty to keep Birkirkara in the match but unfortunately couldn’t, knocking out the Stripes after all their hard work.

Birkirkara have again proven their worth in European competitions. Their unfortunate penalty loss to English club West Ham United and their win against Scottish club Heart of Midlothian F.C., will always be remembered and this match reminded Maltese football fan’s that local clubs are still a force to be reckoned with.

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Photo Source : Birkirkara FC Facebook