Malta Ranks Second In The EU For Overnight Tourist Stays

Sep 28 2024

In the second quarter of 2024, the European Union recorded a total of 780.1 million overnight stays in tourist accommodations, marking a slight 0.2% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

Foreign visitors (non-residents of both EU and non-EU countries) made up a significant portion of these overnight stays, accounting for 49.0% of the total in the second quarter of 2024.

Among the EU countries, Malta stood out as one of the top destinations for foreign visitors. A remarkable 94.7% of all overnight stays in Malta were from international tourists, placing it just behind Cyprus (94.8%) and ahead of Croatia (91.0%) in attracting foreign travelers.

This high percentage highlights Malta’s appeal as a tourist hotspot, especially for those coming from abroad.

The island’s rich history, Mediterranean charm, and diverse attractions continue to draw large numbers of international visitors, cementing its position as one of the leading destinations for foreign tourism within the European Union.

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World’s Oldest Cheese Found In Ancient Chinese Tomb

Sep 28 2024

The oldest known piece of cheese has been discovered, draped across the neck of a mummified woman.

During a 2003 excavation at the Xiaohe Cemetery in Xinjiang, China, archaeologists opened a 3,600-year-old coffin and found a substance placed around the neck of the mummy.

Initially, archaeologists believed the object was a necklace, but upon closer inspection, they identified it as the world’s oldest cheese.

Qiaomei Fu, a paleogeneticist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, told NBC News, “Regular cheese is soft. This isn’t. It’s now extremely dry, dense, and has turned to hard dust.”

She noted that the arid climate of the Tarim Basin desert played a key role in preserving the mummy and the cheese.

The findings shed light on how Bronze Age people consumed dairy and how fermented foods spread throughout Asia. The cheese was identified as kefir, made by fermenting milk with kefir grains, with evidence suggesting both goat and cow milk were used in its production.

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Lorella Cuccarini Video Calls Local Nuns In Malta

Sep 28 2024

Whilst in Malta to present ‘Una Notte Con le Stelle’, Italian presenter Lorella Cuccarini met with local nuns and even spoke with some others via video call.

The sisters had their wish of meeting the renewed Italian personality, who welcomed them with a big smile and kind words.

As for those who could not make it to the meeting, Lorella made sure to give them a call thanks to one of the sisters.

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Cuccarini will be presenting on the 28th of September – that’s today! – alongside Maltese presenter Keith Demicoli.

This spectacular event will feature legendary Italian artists Al Bano, Ricchi e Poveri, Matia Bazar, and Riccardo Fogli. Hosted by the iconic Lorella Cuccarini, the night is set to be a three-hour musical experience filled with non-stop entertainment and celebration.

The concert, supported by Visit Malta, The Ministry for Tourism, and LatteMiele, has generated tremendous buzz amongst local Italian music fans, especially after Keith Demicoli shared an exciting teaser with Cuccarini. Fans are eagerly counting down the days to enjoy a night full of timeless hits and electrifying performances.

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€300,000 To Improve Malta Racing Operations

Sep 28 2024

EquestriMalta and the Malta Racing Club are launching new initiatives with an investment of around €300,000 to improve Malta Racing’s operations. Key measures include introducing a driver allowance for trot races, enhancing anti-doping controls, and providing better medical assistance for drivers and horses.

These initiatives aim to support horse owners in competing in Sicily’s Island’s Championship and other international events, following continuous meetings between EquestriMalta and industry stakeholders.

The announcement was made during a visit by Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation, Clifton Grima, to the Marsa horse racing track, where he met with owners, drivers, and enthusiasts.

Minister Grima reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fulfilling promises made to the sector and providing ongoing support. He emphasized EquestriMalta’s role in stimulating the sport through continuous financial assistance and the introduction of new practices, including the return of the Grand Final, the concept of the ribbon, and the structuring of pony races.

EquestriMalta CEO Max Zammit highlighted that these initiatives will improve the management of the Malta Racing Club, while the driver allowance will serve as an incentive for both drivers and owners. Chairman John Huber stressed that the authority will continue to listen to and collaborate with all stakeholders to further develop the sport.

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