New York, New York, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A gamechanger for Malta Tourism promotion in North America, Delta announced its first non-stop flight from JFK to Malta, starting Summer 2026. The timing of the announcement could not be better for Malta as an official delegation led by the Hon. Dr. Ian Borg, Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and joined by Carlo Micallef, CEO, Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), landed today in New York City, as they will officially open a new Malta Tourism Authority office in New York City on Friday, September 19. The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) Office will be located at Malta’s Permanent Mission to the U.N., 244 East 48th St., New York City.
Dr. Ian Borg, commenting on the Delta announcement, said “This is a landmark development for the Maltese Islands, and for the long-standing ties between Malta and the US. It strengthens our tourism potential in the North American market, to attract discerning tourists who can truly appreciate Malta’s unique and authentic travel experiences. It also empowers more social, cultural and economic collaborations between our nations.”
While in New York, the Malta Tourism Authority delegation will also host the Premiere private screening of Peter Greenberg’s PBS TV one hour special, Hidden Malta, Thursday evening September 18 at the Whitby Hotel, New York City.
The second event is the previously mentioned Ribbon Cutting ceremony for the Malta Tourism Authority’s new office. Attending both events will be H.E. Godfrey Xuereb, Malta’s Ambassador to the United States and H.E. Natasha Meli-Daudey, Malta’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, as well as members of the MTA Head Office delegation, Arthur Grima, Director, Marketing and Yasmine Scorfna, Marketing Manager, travel industry leaders as well as members of the Malta private sector.
“Delta’s timely announcement is a gamechanger for Malta Tourism promotion in North America,” said MTA CEO Carlo Micallef. “When restarting the Malta Tourism Authority presence here 11 years ago, with Michelle Buttigieg as the MTA Representative North America, Malta was known as the ‘Hidden Gem of the Mediterranean’. Now, especially with this first non-stop flight, it is no longer hidden to the American travel market. The interest and demand for Malta, especially from the high end luxury traveler, as well as the young independent traveler, has grown enormously. Now Delta’s direct flight, together with the opening of the MTA office in NYC, will offer Malta new opportunities to expand our promotions in this market.”
Ms. Buttigieg noted,“Now that MTA will have a real “VISITMALTA” space, we will be able to expand our support for our travel industry partners. We will also be able to welcome potential travelers themselves and provide them with specific information tailored to their interests, as well as host Maltese themed events.”
Malta: The island that blends history and sun
Malta feels like a living storybook. One day, travelers can wander the UNESCO-listed streets of Valletta or explore fortresses that have stood for centuries. Next, they’re sailing across turquoise bays toward the Blue Lagoon. It’s a destination that combines history, culture and relaxation in equal measure.
Malta is also home to megalithic temples older than Stonehenge and Egypt’s pyramids, making it one of the world’s most fascinating cultural crossroads. From diving shipwrecks to watching the sunset from Dingli Cliffs, every corner of Malta offers a new story to tell.
To celebrate, Delta is offering introductory deals to both Sardinia and Malta, available now for a limited-time.