Over the past 2 years Phoenicia Hotel at the gates to Valletta has focused on becoming more eco-friendly and their latest initiative aims to change the way concert goers attend Joseph Calleja's upcoming triple-bill with Italian superstar Zucchero on August 1st and local Eurovision star Gianluca Bezzina who is the opening act for the event at Floriana Granaries, through the creation of a free bicycle depository for the event. Singer and medical doctor Gianluca is helping Phoenicia to get across the health benefits of cycling, one of Gianluca’s favourite pastimes.
Those attending the concert on a bicycle will be able to park at the Phoenicia for free, some 100 metres from the concert venue and within very easy walking distance, deposit their bicycle and helmet so that the bicycle will remain in the safe keeping of the hotel until the cyclist collects their two-wheeler after the concert.
The decision to give free support to cyclists is the Phoenicia's latest attempt to encourage locals as well as international visitors to reduce traffic congestion and to make attendance at the Joseph Calleja concert possible for those who would prefer to use non-carbon emitting transport.
Gianluca says “Cycling is a healthy, fun and green way to explore Malta and its capital city, and the ideal transport around town. I hope everyone who can will visit our concert on August 1st on a bicycle, that would be a great advertisement for Malta as a European capital of ‘green’ culture!”
"Exploring cities on two wheels is currently in vogue in many progressive urban centres around the world, and is becoming increasingly popular amongst our guests at Phoenicia particularly in the spring and autumn months," says Sales and Marketing Director Rob Bruno.
Mr. Bruno continues, "It's part of the desire now to step back from conspicuous consumption, and even things electronic. People want to be more authentic in their approach to travel and relaxation, and are becoming much more sensitive to the impact that their visit leaves on the host community. We are seeing a much stronger green element creeping into tourism here in Malta, so we certainly hope that both visitors and locals will make use of our free bicycle depository for the Joseph Calleja concert. We’re also really happy Gianluca is helping us to support this initiative."
General Manager Charles Azzopardi says, "The initiative came about after we received requests on our facebook page about storing bicycles and helmets, so we decided to open it up to everyone for free. Promoting cycling in Malta really fits in with the Phoenicia brand, we are eco-certified and very eco-friendly, this takes it one step beyond insofar as we are welcoming the local community to use our bicycle depository at no charge and we would love to see more locals take to the roads on two wheels. We are currently working on a cycling package for our international guests and we intend to create a cycling roadmap for the surrounding area so they may enjoy Valletta's cultural attractions on two wheels. Indeed, there is nothing like getting around on a bike to make you feel like a local for a day, or an hour."
Phoenicia will be offering a la carte dining at Pegasus from 6:00pm on the evening of the concert and will be open late for the post-concert retrieval of bicycles serving drinks and snacks until the last cyclist makes for home. Those not cycling will still be able to take advantage of all the special services the Phoenicia is laying-on for the concert, including late opening.
To book your bicycle into the Phoenicia’s depository call Justine Storace on 2291 1021 or email: [email protected] and for further information see www.facebook.com/phoeniciahotel or www.phoeniciamalta.com