M
usings
on air travel to the Mediterranean
words: Calvin Cassar
The Mediterranean has been a main stage for travel and journeys - from Ulysses’ travels for selfgrowth and discovery across the sea and regions, to Eugene Roland Garros’ 1913 first non-stop
airplane crossing of the Sea from France to Tunisia, individuals have sought to discover, travel
and grow in the region. Fast forward to the present and we are now witness to an annual influx
of 343 million tourists and strong business opportunities for individuals and companies, with
insight into how to tap into the market. Insider Special Edition embarks on a flight of discovery
with Paul Bugeja, Chief Executive Officer at the Malta Tourism Authority; Alan Borg, Chief
Executive Officer at Malta International Airport and Ursula Silling, Chief Commercial Officer at
Air Malta to discuss industry initiatives, the impact of terrorism, as well as other challenges and
opportunities for tourism in the Mediterranean region.
T
he
sun is unusually warm for November, even by Maltese
standards, acting as a reminder to one of the main attractions in the region. Catching up over coffee, a deliberate effort needs to be made to focus on the discussion being undertaken.
The human species has been consistently fascinated by
air travel. From Icarus to