Why is Valletta European Capital of Culture 2018?

Businesses across Malta are looking forward to 2018 with much excitement as their beloved capital city Valletta has been chosen as the European Capital of Culture 2018. The news was first delivered in 2012; so this moment has been enthusiastically anticipated for nearly 6 years.

The team behind Valletta’s new title

Designated by the European Union, the title of European Capital of Culture is bestowed upon a city that has had its credentials and proposals assessed by an international panel of cultural experts. Pitching and preparing for the title has been a very positive encouragement for the Malta Tourism Authority, whom have formed a special Valletta 2018 Foundation to support the year of events and economical growth.

The Valletta 2018 Foundation is closely monitoring the positive impact of being named European Capital of Culture. One of the main benefits so far has been increased “Brand Awareness” of Valletta among tourists, particularly couples whom have rated their overall experiences of visiting Malta as very positive. The Foundation is surveying tourists on topics such as value for money, quality of service, variety of restaurants and shops, variety of events and attractions and even quality of local product. In every area, an average of 70% of responses were “good” or “very good”. This positive impression of Malta will continue to attract an increased influx of tourists and repeat visitors not just for 2018 but for many years to come.

The V-18 events calendar

In 2018, there is an extended calendar of “V-18” events and exhibitions; in addition to all the action in Valletta there will be heightened activity across all the Maltese Islands to celebrate the year as European City of Culture. Events n Valletta alone include: Malta Fashion Week in May, Valletta Film Festival in June, Malta International Arts Festival, Malta Jazz Festival, Carnival, and Digital Projections throughout December. Strait Street has been highlighted as the hub of cultural activity, as this will be where most of the outdoor music, theatre, and cabaret will be making it the place for socialising in the evenings.

The benefit to the Valletta community

It won’t just be the tourists and local businesses that will benefit from and are excited about Valletta’s European City of Culture status. Local residents will be able to enjoy all of the extra activity, and a boosted economy leading to more employment opportunities and overall development and improvements across Valletta. For many there will be the opportunity to get involved in community art projects and to be part of creating and hosting the celebrations.

For local hotels in Valletta like Casa Ellul, 2018 is set to be the best year yet for business. Right at the heart of the action in Valletta, Casa Ellul will be proud to contribute towards the celebrations by offering both tourists and Maltese travellers a traditional place to stay that demonstrates everything that visitors love about Malta; excellent service, beautiful, historical and luxurious surroundings, and a sense of being part of one big happy family.