Malta 2000 Tourism Statistics
Report Steady Increase
U.S. Travelers to Malta Up by 3.8% in 2000
MALTA, Mar 19, 2001 - Tourism figures recently released by the Central Office of Statistics (COS) in Valletta show travel by Americans to the Mediterranean nation of Malta continues to rise with a 3.8 percent increase in 2000, and in December 2000 alone, travel grew by over 15 percent. Malta, with its thriving tourism industry, hosted more than 1.2 million tourists from around the world between January and December, 2000.
Although the United Kingdom continues to lead travel to the country with nearly half a million travelers, more than 27, 000 people from North America visited Malta. Turkey made the biggest jump with over a 40 percent increase.
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The numerous embellished churches around Malta and Gozo together with its strong Catholic traditions and culture, its historical museums, several Neolithic temples and recent archeological findings draw many to this proud country.
The resurgence in interest in giving back to one's roots makes Malta the perfect destination to trace the past."
Mediterranean Country Enhances its Film Credentials
In other news from Malta, the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival will show 'The Great Siege', a film sponsored by Malta, during its March 31 - April 10 event opening at Madison Square Garden. Malta has an extensive background of film production with over 100 movies filmed there including 'Gladiator' and 'U-571'.
'The Great Siege' is based on Malta's Knights of St. John battle against the Turkish invasion in 1565. Although highly outnumbered, the Knights successfully protected Southern Europe and continued to flourish in culture, architecture and the arts during the Golden Era.
Organized in 1999, the Malta Film Commission (MFC) assists film crews before and during their shooting in Malta. Offering its services free of charge to international film and television production, the MFC creates awareness about Malta's unlimited potential as a film location.
About Malta
The Maltese Islands of Malta, Gozo, and Comino - enchanting, tranquil, and centrally located in the Mediterranean- have a rich cultural heritage spanning more than 7,000 years.
Opportunities abound for sightseeing, outdoor recreational pursuits such as water sports and scuba diving, fine dining and enjoying the unusual character of these islands.
Information on travel to Malta is available through the Malta Tourist Office, 300 Lanidex Plaza, Parsippany, NJ, 07054; 973-884-0899, (fax) 973-884-1711. email: office.us@visitmalta.com; website: www.visitmalta.com.
