Peter Vella is to become the new UK director at the Malta Tourism Authority.
Vella, who has previously held senior roles at companies including Birmingham Airport and Tui UK, will replace Alex Incorvaja, who left in April.
The Malta Tourism Authority confirmed Vella’s appointment but said no official start date has been given. Michael Piscopo is currently acting as interim director.
Vella has been working outside the industry since 2010, most recently as chief executive of Interserve Academies Trust, a charity involved with the sponsorship of academy schools, but has a non-executive director role at hotel and short breaks specialist Hotelshop UK.
Prior to that he was executive director of business development at Birmingham International Airport from 1997 to 2009; head of business development at Lunn Poly (now Thomson), Tui UK, from 1994 to 1997; and group research and development director at First Choice Holidays from 1993 to 1994.
Incorvaja, who was in the role for six years, is credited with increasing UK arrivals to Malta by 17.5% over the past five years, with 2014 figures up 7% on 2013.
He cited the reintroduction of British Airways flights to the island and securing Jet2 services, which start at the end of this month, as two significant achievements as well as showcasing the destination to the trade by hosting Abta’s Travel Convention, and the ITT, Aito and Advantage Travel Partnerships conferences.