Three cultural tourism sites in Malta have received certificates of excellence from TripAdvisor, in addition to one site receiving the Travellers’ Choice Award.

The Malta at War Museum in Vittoriosa and the Lascaris War Rooms in Valletta received the certificate, whilst Fort Rinella in Kalkara received the certificate and the award.

Whilst touring the Lascaris War Rooms, Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis promised further support to Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna, the NGO that runs the three cultural sites. He added that although Malta is hitting record tourism numbers, the need for quality tourism remains. “These cultural sites help bring quality tourists to the island,” he said.

Malta not just a country of sunshine and beaches

The period between October and March tends to see low tourism numbers, the Minister added. “Cultural tourism can help Malta’s tourism industry see success year round. Malta isn’t just a country of sun and beaches”.

Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna CEO Mario Farrugia explained that the certificates help prove the hard work his NGO has put into these cultural sites.

“The little money we receive through donations and through tourists we put right back into these sites. It wouldn’t be the first time where I have placed my own money into these sites myself”, he said.

According to TripAdvisor, Fort Rinella is Malta’s best cultural attraction. The Lascaris War Rooms is the second best in Valletta after St John’s Co-Cathedral and the Malta at War Museum is the best attraction in Vittoriosa, the CEO added.