Malta: Meeting Industry Developments
Various initiatives have been taking place within the Meetings Industry in Malta, over the past months. The highlights below, will keep you on track with the projects which this exciting destination is undertaking in order to maintain a solid business profile in the meetings and incentives sector.
Quality Assurance Scheme for Maltese DMCs
Last month, the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) launched its Quality Assurance Scheme for Destination Management Companies (DMCs) operating in Malta. The aim of this initiative is to identify those DMCs, which have reached a standard of professionalism, on an objective, impartial, quality basis. This recognition gives potential buyers peace of mind when approaching local DMCs which have obtained this seal. The credibility projected by the Quality Scheme also extends to the subcontractors which DMCs as intermediaries engage, to assist them with the organisation of events. This initiative is also set to raise Malta's profile and enhance its reputation as a serious destination for conference and incentive travel. The MTA will be implementing a promotional programme in 2009, so as to ensure that the DMCs which obtain this quality seal, are given due recognition.
Valetta Waterfront
Fine Arts Museum
Mdina Night
The Azure Window
Citadella
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Maltese Door Knob
Trade Seminars
The MTA’s MICE Segment Team regularly organises local industry seminars to raise awareness among the Maltese trade about issues at the fore of the international Meetings Industry. These seminars have been very well-received and attended by the local suppliers. The topics addressed are selected to set the stage for Malta to improve its positioning strategy as a quality meetings and events destination.
Risk Management and Corporate Manslaughter Seminar
The MTA’s Risk Management and Corporate Manslaughter seminar was held earlier this year, just two days after the Corporate Manslaughter Act went into force in the UK, on the 6th April. The Act focuses on the manner with which risks are managed, which in practice means that companies organising incentives or meetings overseas must have all the necessary precautions in place to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their staff, clients and other participants. The risk management process requires the event organiser to anticipate the risks involved in any event and the potential for harm. Supplier credentials and third party liability insurance have become increasingly important factors, in differentiating Malta’s conference and incentive offer. This is of particular relevance to DMCs – which subcontract services from various suppliers. During the seminar Mr Andy Jarosz, Director of Docleaf (UK), delivered a presentation about the responsibility of Crisis Management, while Mr Chris Clarke, from P&MM addressed attendees regarding Risk Management.
Seminar About Procurement and Its Influence On The Events Industry
The second local industry seminar held by the MICE Segment Team this year, dealt with procurement in the meeting industry. The current global economic scenario has led to clients becoming increasingly concerned about the invoicing methods and pricing structures of their suppliers. They want to know from which areas their suppliers are generating revenue, whether it is from organisational fees, commissions, or a mixture of the two. Organisations need to justify the costs of their meetings and events, which are increasingly being viewed from a return-on-investment perspective. Clients need to ensure that their organisation’s money spent on events meet the set objectives and that they are not being over-charged by any suppliers or third parties. While the Maltese Islands have a very attractive value-for-money offer, more transparent procurement procedures would enable the destination to clearly and visibly demonstrate this competitive advantage. Ms Tina Fegent, who chairs the Specialist Knowledge Group on Marketing within the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CHIPS) and has also penned the Institute’s guide to Event Services discussed procurement from the client’s perspective. Mr Peter Rand, who is the Director of Industry Relations for Zibrant, followed with a presentation, tackling the issue from an agency’s point of view.
Malta Stand at EIBTM: K540
The Malta Tourism Authority will be at stand number K540 to welcome visitors with tempting Maltese delicacies and an animated showreel highlighting the best that the Maltese Islands have to offer. With 300 days of sunshine a year, friendly, English-speaking locals and a whole host of meeting and conference facilities, Malta is the Mediterranean’s best kept secret when it comes to entertaining corporate groups.
Come and meet the Malta Tourism Authority’s MICE Segment Team at EIBTM with following suppliers:
Aeolos Malta, AGL Alliance Group, Alpine Steeling, Air Malta, Arrigo Oswald, A & V von Brockdorff, Captain Morgan Cruises, Colours of Malta, Corinthia Hotels, Destination Malta, Dolmen Resort, EC Meetings, Events Travel, Grand Hotel Excelsior, Hilton Malta, Intercontinental Malta, Le Méridien St Julians, Malta Fairs & Convention Centre, Mediterranean Conference Centre, MI Malta, S Mifsud & Sons S.M.S., Radisson SAS Bay Point Resort, Riviera Resort & Spa, Special Interest Travel, Sunspot Meetings & Incentives, Vacations Malta, The Victoria Hotel, and The Westin Dragonara.
Open the door to your best source of information:
Malta Tourism Authority
MICE Segment Team
Tel: +356 22915 206
Email: nadine.brincat@visitmalta.com
Conferences website: www.visitmalta.com/business-travel