Hosting our first live familiarisation trip for event planners was all about re-imaging The Maltese Islands for meetings and incentives. From fun new Go-cars in Gozo to picnics in idyllic nature and a spectacular wine pairing dinner in a private wine estate, we took on a fully fresh approach to showcase our islands and created a personalized program, offering insight into new activities, hotels, venues, and sustainable event solutions.

The FAM trip took place from the 10-12 September 2021 and welcomed 12 event planners from the UK to discover Malta for meetings, incentives and corporate events. The visit was hosted by Sandra Brincat and Mark Gatt of ECMeetings, Mundus Representation, Conventions Malta and the newly opened Hyatt Regency Malta.

Upon arrival to The Maltese Islands guests were welcomed to the Limestone Heritage for a short limoncello making and tasting session, and a mid-afternoon snack of typical Maltese platters and homemade lemonade served under olive trees.

The Limestone Heritage is a former stone quarry, set in beautifully landscaped grounds surrounded by indigenous olive and citrus trees. The venue is ideal to host small to large-scale corporate events with a backdrop of a typical Maltese farmhouse, a splendid waterfall and steep stone walls that are ideal for projections. The venue caters for groups of up to 500 people and has a stylish marquee for a backup.

Travelling further north our guests visited one of Malta’s most popular beach clubs, Café del Mar. With stunning infinity pools overlooking St. Paul’s Islands and panoramic views of the Mediterranean, it’s the perfect venue to enjoy sunset cocktails, Mediterranean BBQs, fusion dinners and after-parties. The venue is ideal for outdoor events with bad weather back up for 140 guests.

Hyatt Regency Malta

Located in the popular seaside town of St. Julian’s, just 20 minutes from the Malta International Airport and the Capital City of Valletta, the newly opened Hyatt Regency Malta is ideal for all types of meeting and incentive groups. The hotel offers 151 rooms, including 11 suites and 1 ambassador suite.

An exclusive welcome dinner was hosted on the rooftop at GIN-ger with panoramic views of the Mediterranean and St. George’s Bay.

“From the moment you arrive, Hyatt Regency Malta oozes a distinctive fresh luxury lifestyle & sophisticated party experience. The property features personalised, high-touch experiences, contemporary dining experiences, and cutting based technology-enabled facilities for meetings and events in the heart of Malta’s premier resort.” Wayne Redman, Mundus Representation

The Island of Gozo

Gozo is a small, tranquil, almost mythical island with deep valleys, rugged cliffs, crystal clear seas & beautiful beaches. Life moves at a leisurely pace, revolving around farming and fishing. The island is steeped in history, culture and long family traditions, making it a truly unique and amazing island to discover. 

Arriving by speedboat in less than 30 minutes from Malta, various transport awaited our guests. With fun new Go-Cars, colourful E-tuk-tuks and new E-jeeps, our guests discovered tucked-away gems of the island.

Gozo is a perfect island for a day trip with amazing backdrops for gourmet picnics and BBQs in idyllic natural settings. Activities range from adrenaline-packed outdoor team building to more leisurely foodie and culture tours.

Blessed with some of the best food in the Mediterranean our guests experienced a farm to fork picnic, sampling local, organic produce and homemade delights with views of Gozo’s stunning beaches and valleys.

On the way back to Malta there was time to cool off in the crystal-clear seas of Comino and to discover some of the many caves around the island.

In the evening a typical Maltese vintage bus accompanied guests to Palazzo Parisio and Gardens, one of Malta’s most spectacular venues for gala dinners, awards ceremonies, receptions, and casual lunches in the beautiful gardens.

A walk through the fortified, medieval city of Mdina followed, before arriving at Ta’ Betta Wine Estate. The resident sommelier conducted a private wine tasting, sampling some of Malta’s finest wines, followed by a sumptuous wine pairing three-course dinner.

The winery is situated in a luxuriously finished Maltese Farmhouse surrounded by vineyards and views of ancient Mdina, offering an ideal space for exclusive dinners and lunches.

The third and final day was spent exploring the capital Valletta with a fun and engaging team building activity and visits to outdoor and indoor venues, including the stunning new rooftop terrace at the Mediterranean Conference Centre. Overlooking the impressive Grand Harbour, the terrace offers excellent facilities for corporate events for up to 600 guests, with a historical hall as a bad weather back-up.

Valletta has been a maritime hub for centuries and the essence of baroque pride, an upcoming hotspot of the Mediterranean; a city that shines as never before. The fortified city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and European Capital of Culture.

A farewell lunch was served onboard a Turkish Gullet in the Grand Harbour, cruising by ancient forts and historical architectural gems. The harbour cruise ended at the Yacht Marina in Birgu, conveniently located just minutes away from the airport.

For more information on meetings and incentives in Malta please contact our multilingual team of event and destination managers on info@ecmeetings.com