Malta is ideal for winter sunseekers. Not only does it have a balmy climate, it’s only a three-hour flight from the UK and easily accessible from a range of regional airports such as Manchester and Birmingham.
One area that is increasing in popularity is winter sun activity breaks. Many hotels on the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino now have tennis and squash courts, as well as spa facilities, and have invested in water sports such as windsurfing, paragliding and water skiing.
Clients may also be interested in attending some of the big sporting events, such as the Malta Marathon in February, and the prestigious Rolex Middle Sea Race in October.
Belleair Holidays national sales manager Emma Yorke says: “Ensure that your staff have up-to-date product knowledge of what Malta has to offer. The biggest increase that we’ve seen is in golf and diving, so why not target your local golf or scuba diving clubs?”
With 125 miles of coastline to explore, there is enough space for cycling, hiking, horse riding, sailing and lawn bowling.
Equally, the island’s sheer, rocky south coast offers extensive climbing walls suitable for all levels of expertise.
Malta Tourism Authority UK director Alex Incorvaja says: “The islands’ compact size means you can get around easily to do a variety of activities.
“For years, the UK market has seen Malta as a sun, sea and sand destination, but we offer a lot more and people are now beginning to discover this.”
For instance, Explore, which specialises in one-of-a-kind adventure holidays, has now added Malta and Gozo to its group departures in 2010, adding an eight-day tour offering exploring and walking opportunities on the islands.
Scuba diving
Winter is a great time for diving in the warm southern Mediterranean waters and there is a huge variety of marine life. The tideless waters are also full of wrecks, caves and grottoes.
According to experts, the sea around Malta has diving to rival better-known destinations such as the Red Sea. The government has also been boosting fish life with its artificial reef programme.
Clients can obtain their PADI certificate here with competent English-speaking instructors, as well as go night diving and deep-sea diving up to 40 metres.
The Malta Tourism Authority has also teamed up with the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC), and if your clients are members they can get exclusive deals on diving holidays.
The main dive sites include Marsamxett Harbour, where the World War II wrecks HMS Maori and Carolita Barge lie. Then there’s Dwejra on Gozo’s southern coastline, which has the Inland Sea underwater tunnel and the famous Blue Hole.
Golf
The 18-hole golf course at the Royal Malta Golf Club was established in 1888 and is one of the oldest clubs outside Great Britain.
It is close to the capital Valletta, as well as the main hotels, and has recently undergone a major refurbishment involving the reshaping of fairways and approaches and the planting of new greens.
“Some tour operators such as Belleair also offer complimentary transfers to and from the golf club at selected hotels,” explains Yorke.
On the surf
The light breezes around the islands and a diverse investment in a variety of water sports mean that clients can find competent people and good facilities in Malta, whether it be for a yacht charter, sailing a dinghy, learning to kite surf or hooking barracuda while deep-sea fishing.
They can even take a master class in windsurfing or paddle out a sea kayak around the spectacular cliffs.
Sample product
Belleair Holidays offers seven nights at the Strand Hotel in Sliema with bed and breakfast from £269 per person, departing December 6. Prices include return flights and transfers. Belleair can arrange both diving and golf trips. belleair.co.uk/agents, 0845 365 3400
Ramblers International has a Discovering the Maltese Islands walking holiday from £699, departing February 24. The price includes half-board accommodation at the four-star Ramla Bay Resort and Hotel Calypso on Gozo. ramblersholidays.co.uk, 01707 331133
