“Many agents were pleasantly surprised by the unique character and high standards exhibited by many local organisations,” stated Feltom in a press statement. “Many commented that the visit to Malta far exceeded their expectations.”

In fact, the association went farther, saying that it was imperative that Malta-based events were organised to counter negative perceptions about Malta that could occur. “Unfortunately experience has shown that in many countries Malta is not particularly highly rated. Yet visitors are suitably impressed once they set foot on our shores.”

Education agencies represented 21 countries – representing a valuable cross-section of the international education community. Central to the three-day event was an intensive day of meetings held at the Radisson Blu St. Julian’s (pictured), followed by fam trips to schools.

Another component of the event was exposure to Malta’s cultural heritage, during guided tours of Valletta and Mdina as well as a harbour cruise.

In all, 25 English language schools participated at the event. Feltom claims to represent the largest and most professional of the operators on the island, and all members undergo an additional quality inspection process.

Study travel is a significant generator of overseas visitors, when compared with general tourism arrivals

Countries represented by the 45 agents at the event included Colombia, Georgia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Russia and Uzbekistan.

Malta is a small country but study travel is a significant generator of overseas visitors, when compared with general tourism arrivals. In 2011, almost 70,000 EFL students visited Malta and stayed for a total of approximately 182,000 weeks. This however was a decline on the previous year by 4.7%.