Malta Holidays: Will 2010 Be The Year For An Island Vacation?

The Mediterranean archipelago of islands known as the Republic of Malta has long been a popular tourist destination. However, interest in Malta holidays waned in 2009. Tourism has dropped this year, fueling speculation as to what may have contributed to the phenomenon.

The Republic of Malta consists of a number of islands. Only three of these (Malta, Comino and Gozo) are inhabited. Malta is the largest. Gozo, the second largest, has less than a third of the land its larger sister island covers. Comino, the smallest of the three inhabited islands, is a mere slip of land at just 1.35 square kilometers. A number of smaller, uninhabited islands make up the rest of the archipelago.

Malta holidays have long been favored, particularly by European and UK travelers. The country has many selling points to tourists, including being a wedding destination. It has even become, in recent years, a medical destination.

Its balmy climate is perhaps its biggest draw though. It is officially recognized as a Mediterranean subtropical climate. Temperatures vary little throughout the year. In fact, most of the islands' vegetation has no dormant state due to the consistent temperatures.

Malta holidays are most popular in summer. Winters, though mild, tend to be rainy. Even so, foreigners from colder areas like to winter in the islands. However, summer tourism is the Republic's economic staple. Tourism makes up a large portion of the Republic's GDP.

Malta found the need to shift its ability to generate an income to tourism during the 1940's. Prior to this time, the economy had been largely made up of shipping and farming, particularly tobacco and cotton. However, Malta's ports saw a dramatic decrease in business in the early to mid 1900's. This led to a re-shifting in economic generation to tourism.

Malta holidays began to be marketed in earnest in the second half of the 20th century. Slowly but surely, the islands' economy began to turn around.

This heavy reliance upon tourism dollars has led to worry over this year's decrease in tourism. The statistics appear to be slight: only a few percentage points for the most part.

It could spell eventual disaster, though, if the trend continues in 2010. Even a few percentage points equal hundreds of thousands of dollars. Money like this makes a significant difference in a country of just over 400,000 people.

Speculation by tourism officials echoes the sentiments heard around the world: a poor economy means fewer tourists. It's likely that the declining world economy has at least a little to do with a drop in tourism.

Little has changed, after all, with the islands themselves. The country has only been an independent republic for just over three decades. It has a long, rich history, though, as a seat of culture and civilization. The islands are home to dozens of ancient ruins and megalithic temples. These are almost as big a tourist draw as the climate.

The country may not have changed much recently, but its marketing strategy surely will. Malta holidays can be tailor made and can include activities that the islands are popular for. Malta holidays are often built around sailing, snorkeling, diving, swimming and other water sports.

All-inclusive Malta holidays are also gaining popularity. Additionally, the newest trend, medical tourism, holds some promise for the country's economy.

It's likely that Malta holidays will evolve in 2010 in new directions to help bring tourist numbers back up. This may include new, lower-priced all-inclusive packages and specialized packages (i.e. water sports, etc.)

The best deals on Malta holidays, though, will probably be found in the form of last-minute deals. Hotels and resorts are anxious to fill every room to counter losses incurred in 2009. Travelers who are adventurous enough not to plan too far ahead may find some of the best prices.