The Malta Tourism Authority, and various representatives of the trade, participated between 5 and 9 March at the ITB fair in Berlin, the world’s biggest and busiest tourism-related fair.

The MTA opened for business with a fresh image, thanks to a newly designed modern and attractive stand, which was very well received by the steady flow of interested customers who stopped to learn more about Malta. The attraction was not just the new eye-catching stand, but also the VIP visitors to the stand.

Mrs Barbara Schöneberger, an established German TV host and singer, paid the Malta stand a visit in her role as “President of Opodia” – Mrs Schöneberger is the marketing testimonial of leading internet travel portal, opodo. http://reisen.opodo.de/opodi en/

MTA chairman Sam Mifsud, international marketing director Joe Galea and other MTA officials, greeted Mrs Schöneberger. Mr Mifsud presented her with Maltese lace, a Maltese cross pendant, as well as a Euro starter kit with Maltese coins; symbols of Malta’s history and hospitality.

Within the framework of the culinary media and trade reception at the Malta stand on 5 March, the MTA chairman appointed German TV chef Rainer Mitze as “Malta’s Culinary Ambassador” for 2008. As a token, Mr Mitze received the gift of a silver ladle with a Maltese cross.

MTA Germany has been co-operating with Mr Mitze for quite some time now, as he has a big passion for the Maltese Islands and the uniqueness of Maltese cuisine. In 2004, Mr Mitze decided to open a branch of his popular cooking colleges in Malta, at Razzett-l-Antik in Qormi, where holiday-makers and incentive groups can learn how to cook Maltese cuisine.

Notably, during the fair the MTA was also presented with a special award by the world’s foremost online booking portal, in recognition of Malta being an e-pioneer in the Mediterranean. Thaddeus Hanscom, European director of Expedia, presented the award to Mr Mifsud during a ceremony at the ITB fair.