Solidifying its reputation as a premier travel destination which holds the principles of inclusivity and diversity close to heart, Malta has recently been recognised as a world-class tourism hotspot through two prestigious UK awards. Voted Most Desirable Island in Europe by Wanderlust Magazine and being given the Aspire Inclusive Initiative of the Year Award for its dedication to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) in tourism, these accomplishments highlight the efforts invested in cultivating the island’s premier tourism industry.
Malta Tops the List in Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards
The Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, held on 6 November at London’s Tate Modern, honoured destinations and travel companies for their exceptional contributions to the industry. Hosted by renowned comedian and travel presenter Jack Whitehall, the event saw participation from esteemed travel leaders across 22 categories. Following an impressive 3.5 million votes from 168,000 readers, Malta emerged victorious as the Most Desirable Island in Europe, surpassing Ireland and Madeira, which won Silver and Bronze, respectively.
Tolene van der Merwe, MTA’s Director for the UK and Ireland, expressed enthusiasm about the win: "This recognition from Wanderlust underscores Malta’s irresistible appeal and the unforgettable experiences it offers every visitor. We are honoured to see Malta celebrated as Europe’s most desirable island by such an engaged audience of travel enthusiasts."
A Welcome Destination for Everyone: Aspire Inclusive Initiative Award
Visit Malta also received the Aspire Inclusive Initiative of the Year Award on 9 October in Manchester, United Kingdom, recognizing its leadership in promoting inclusivity and accessibility. This accolade highlights Visit Malta’s commitment to creating a welcoming and accessible destination for all travellers.
Key initiatives contributing to this award include:
- Sponsorship of the Icons of Inclusion event
- Successful hosting of EuroPride 2023
- Continuous efforts to enhance accessibility for visitors of all abilities
Carlo Micallef, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), emphasized the significance of these achievements: "Winning the Wanderlust Gold Award for Europe’s most desirable island and the Aspire Award for inclusivity reflects our dedication to creating a destination that is as inviting as it is inclusive. We are committed to continuing these efforts and providing memorable experiences for every visitor."
A Testament to Malta’s Excellence in Travel
The Aspire Awards, organized by the leading UK luxury travel media brand Aspire, recognize outstanding achievements in the high-end travel sector. Meanwhile, Wanderlust Magazine, the UK’s most-read travel publication, celebrates destinations that provide exceptional and authentic travel experiences.
These dual accolades reinforce Malta’s standing as a top-tier, inclusive travel destination, demonstrating the MTA’s ongoing efforts to promote diversity, accessibility, and unforgettable experiences for all visitors. With this momentum, Malta continues to pave the way in sustainable and inclusive tourism, ensuring a welcoming experience for every traveler who steps onto its shores.