LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s new direct air link with New York is expected to attract more American visitors while strengthening tourism flows to neighbouring Sicily.
Many American passengers arriving on the inaugural flight said they were eager to visit both Malta and Sicily. Several discovered Malta while planning trips to Sicily and decided to add the island to their itineraries because of its proximity, history and culture.
At a press conference marking Delta Air Lines’ inaugural service between Malta and John F. Kennedy International Airport, Prime Minister Robert Abela encouraged visitors to view Malta as more than a holiday destination, urging them to explore opportunities to invest in startups, relocate businesses or work remotely from the island.
The Prime Minister said Malta remains resilient despite regional tensions in the Middle East, noting that the country has secured sufficient gas and aviation fuel supplies to ensure energy stability and uninterrupted aviation operations.
Highlighting Malta’s economic performance, Abela cited Eurostat figures showing GDP growth of 4.3% in the first quarter, making Malta the European Union’s fastest-growing economy.
Malta International Airport CEO Alan Borg said more than 90% of seats on Delta’s first direct flight were occupied, describing the service as a promising step towards attracting a new wave of North American tourists.
Borg called on tourism stakeholders to deliver high-quality visitor experiences and pledged the airport’s full support to ensure the route’s long-term success
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