Letter | Wednesday, 30 July 2008

Loving Sliema, loathing Qawra

I read your article (Malta: Love or Loathe; Business Today 16 July, 2008) on our flight back from our latest trip to Malta. The title does indeed reflect how many visitors to the island from the UK feel. I wish I had a pound (Maltese or English) for each time I heard this sentiment. My own feeling is that it depends where a visitor stays on their first visit. If it’s Qawra or Bugibba or other less salubrious areas the visitor usually won’t return. Sliema, St Julian’s, Portomaso would normally mean they’re hooked.
My wife and I first stayed at the Plaza Regency in St Julian’s which was fine (1999,2000,2001) but it then deteriorated so we checked out and moved to the Hilton. Eight of our last trips to Malta have been to this lovely hotel, and it isn’t just the hotel and its warm, friendly staff which make us return. Your article mentioned comments about the food choice available and in the area around the hotel you really are spoilt for choice - we love it.
Obviously the island has its negative points: very few beaches, not a lot of 4 star hotels and not a lot for kids. But the climate, short flight time, wonderful people etc more than make up for it - in fact my wife would like to live there.
I feel strongly that Malta is often misunderstood. My wife and I were fortunate that we chose to stay in St Julian’s originally and enjoyed it enough to want to visit again.
We have met so many, especially at the Hilton, and we hope to return for many years to come.
One indication of the British love for the island is the number of return visitors.
Funnily enough, I was talking to a representative today about holidays during a buying session (I own a jewellers) and he and several friends visit Malta each year to dive in the St Paul’s area. Perhaps more could be made of the diving opportunities in Malta by the tourist board?
Finally, a short aside into the close relationship between the Maltese and the English. During our recent visit we and a couple met at the hotel (regulars since 2000) went along to the casino at the Westin Dragonara. It was busy with fewer bar staff than usual. A chap standing next to me heard me speak to my friend and when he heard I was English he immediately asked what drinks we wanted, called to the barman in Maltese with our order, and gave us his friends card which which saved us 25 per cent off the cost of the round. That epitomised Malta and its people for us.

David Lill
United Kingdom