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Malta reports bumper bookings from Brits

Malta’s tourist board has reported buoyant bookings and holiday search statistics since the destination reopened for Brits on July 15.

It said airlines and online travel agencies reported a spike in bookings, partly thanks to the country’s record tackling the Covid-19 outbreak.

Ryanair said it has seen a surge in its Maltese summer business, with “tens of thousands of passengers” booking flights.

Diarmuid O’Conghaile, chief executive of Ryanair subsidiary Malta Air, said: “Tens of thousands of European passengers have booked flights to Malta departing from 45 destinations such as Birmingham, Brussels, Edinburgh and Madrid, but with UK routes as clear winners for July and August bookings.

“This surge in Malta flight bookings is a really encouraging trend and Ryanair is proud to re-boot the tourism sector of countries like Malta, which strongly rely on the health of this industry.”

Malta Tourism Authority said On the Beach reported that Malta has risen from being the online travel agency’s seventh to sixth most popular destination.

Tolene Van Der Merwe, UK and Ireland director at the Malta Tourism Authority, said: “Last year we welcomed 650,000 Brits to Malta, Gozo and Comino and we are delighted that we still hold a special place in the heart of many British holidaymakers as it has certainly been too quiet without them.

“We are thrilled to see that Brits are still looking forward to visiting us again soon and cannot wait to welcome them to our perfect blend of inviting sunshine, sparkling seas, fascinating culture, delectable gastronomy, fine wine, friendly locals and lots of opportunities to explore.”

Several Covid-19 health protocols have been introduced to make sure that tourists have a ‘sunny and safe’ time when on holiday.

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