Peter Vella, stepped into the role of Malta’s Tourism Authority UK and Ireland director in September 2015, and will leave the post on 27 September but has committed to remain available in a consultancy and advisory capacity.
Peter’s earlier career lead him to Horizon Holidays in the later part of the 80s, before moving to be responsible for the rebranding and relaunch of ‘Owners Abroad’ as First Choice.
He later he was involved in bringing in Emirates and Ryanair during time served (12 years) as Birmingham airport’s business development director.
Vella saw an advert in TTG for directorship of the Malta Tourism Authority during a time spent in construction, and was the successful applicant.
Malta has since put their focus on four main areas:
- Escalating Malta into the number one destination in Europe for LGBT travellers
- Promoting Malta as a destination for families with older children and young adults;
- Developing Malta’s colourful festival and lively night-life
- Pushing Valletta (The capital city) as a city break destination
“Our progress on LGBT rights has been absolutely remarkable,” Peter told TTG. “In 2012, Malta was just ahead of Azerbaijan in the ILGA Rainbow Europe index. By 2015, we were top – that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.
“In 2006, 70% people were against same-sex marriage. In 2012, the country narrowly voted in favour of legalising divorce. It was then the government realised society had changed. And in 2017, same-sex marriage was legalised. Attitudes have changed so quickly.”
