Malta takes flight

Airlines are beginning to see the full potential of Malta's growing popularity...

Malta is a delightful island set in the Mediterranean, steeped in history and boasting a host of World Heritage Sites, including the capital city Valletta.

The country has in recent years taken on an entirely different mantel as its tourism grows and investment comes both from relocating businesses and from those wishing to own a home here.

Now airlines are seeing the full potential of the rapidly growing popularity of the island with EasyJet increasing its routes from April by including direct flights from Newcastle twice a week.

Ryanair has also announced two new twice weekly routes to Malta from Edinburgh and Bristol. Flights from Edinburgh start on March 31st and run every Tuesday and Saturday. Flights from Bristol will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays and will start on July 5th.

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is also launching a nonstop route from Stockholm-Arlanda airport to Malta starting in April 2009.

Significant investment

Malta is becoming a focus for business people and those looking to locate in a region that has such easy access to Europe and the Middle East.

The island has attracted significant investment in the financial sector which, taken with the related and support services, accounts for some 12% of GDP.

This is predicted to grow substantially over the coming decade. Malta gives international firms an excellent services and communications infrastructure and offers the benefits of an exemplary regulatory environment plus a network of double taxation agreements.

James Vassallo, Senior Sales Manager at Tigne Point, commented: "The increased air traffic is certainly good for the island especially in these trying times. Malta is strategically placed between the West and East and the growing importance of North Africa. It appeals to businesses looking to relocate to the Med and over the years business travel has constantly grown".

Source: www.tignepoint.com