NEWS | Wednesday, 30 January 2008

Neckermann Austria launch Summer 2008 brochure in Malta

Neckermann Austria launched their Summer 2008 brochure in Malta during week long activities held recently. The launch consisted of an educational promotional visit that was attended by over 300 Austrian travel agents and journalists who travelled on Air Malta services from Vienna.
Neckermann, is the main brand of the Thomas Cook travel group and represents the second largest travel group in Europe. Apart from Austria, the operator also sells holidays to Malta from a number of other European market served by Air Malta.
The activities – supported by Air Malta and the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) in collaboration with SMS travel, Neckermann’s agents in Malta – included presentations, conferences and tours around the islands and was drawn to an end by a Maltese-themed Gala Dinner at Casino Maltese in Valletta.
During a press conference, at the launch of this event, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Neckermann Austria, Reinhard Kotzaurek said: “Malta is becoming more and more important for Neckermann. We believe that the Maltese islands, at the heart of the Mediterranean, have an excellent product to offer to our customers.
“Our decision to host this event in Malta is a confirmation of the increased importance we are giving to the islands. In 2008 Neckermann, the Malta Tourism Authority and Air Malta will continue working closer together, developing different niches and growth areas that Malta’s diversity offers.”
The press conference was also addressed by Carlo Micallef, Head Tour Operating and Leisure at the MTA and Ray Borg, Air Malta’s Section Head Marketing Support Services.
Borg said that Air Malta was very proud to assist an internationally acclaimed business partner such as Neckermann during these activities.
He highlighted the recent traffic increases registered by Air Malta and the efforts of the airline to increase tourism traffic to Malta with various marketing campaigns in the Austrian market.
Micallef praised the Malta Tourism Authority’s support during the activities that form part of the wider marketing initiatives being taken by the Authority to continue improving tourism arrivals to Malta.
Speaking to the Austrian Travel Agents and journalists during the Gala Dinner hosted by Air Malta, Brock Friesen, Air Malta’s Chief Officer Commercial said: “Malta is the ideal short break destination. The islands boast of a very mild winter when compared to Central and Northern Europe.
“The weather, coupled with the various historical and cultural attractions Malta has to offer, guarantee visitors enjoyable stays on the islands all throughout the year.”
Friesen thanked Neckermann Austria for choosing Malta to launch their summer brochure and augured that both organisations will continue to build on their excellent relationship.