A press and trade event was held on the 12th of March at the Malta stand within the Berlin ITB (Internationale Tourismus Boerse), considered to be the world’s largest travel trade fair. The Malta event, attended by over 70 members of the international trade and consumer press as well as tour operators and trade representatives, was created purposely to reflect the MTA’s strategy of promoting Maltese lifestyle in Germany.

The event itself involved a cookery ‘duet’ exhibition by celebrity German chef and Malta culinary ambassador, Rainer Mitze, accompanied by Dietmar Gunz, CEO of FTI (Frosch Touristik International). Mr. Gunz, a keen amateur chef in his own right and an avid admirer of Malta, also owns a number of restaurants in Munich. Two typical Maltese dishes were prepared by the chefs and served to all those present, as ‘Specialities of the Maltese Kitchen’, including a fish dish and a rabbit dish.

Also present for the event were Malta’s parliamentary secretary for tourism, Dr. Mario de Marco, Malta’s ambassador to Germany Mr. John Paul Grech as well as the Malta Tourism Authority’s Chairman, Sam Mifsud, and MTA CEO, Josef Formosa Gauci. In a brief address to those present, Mr. Dietmar Gunz spoke about Malta’s attractions, the Maltese lifestyle and the good food that is on offer in the Maltese islands. Dr. de Marco also touched upon the theme of Malta’s many attractions, mentioning that Malta’s size permitted one to balance a rich cultural programme with as much rest and relaxation as one desired.