A Mediterranean gem just one stop away for New Zealand travellers
Valletta, Malta’s capital, has achieved an extraordinary double honour, named both Europe’s Best City and World’s Best City in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, just one day apart. The back-to-back recognition places Valletta firmly on the global map as one of the world’s most admired destinations a city that blends centuries of history with contemporary vibrancy and Mediterranean charm.
Each year, Condé Nast Traveller readers which was more than 182,500 of them in 2025, vote for the world’s most inspiring places. Their verdict celebrates Valletta as a city that “captures the essence of cultural authenticity, historical depth, and modern vitality.” For New Zealand travel advisors, the announcement is a timely reminder that Malta is now one of Europe’s most talked-about destinations, and just one stop away via Middle Eastern or European gateways.
Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Tourism, Hon. Ian Borg, said the global accolade reflects the country’s dedication to preserving its heritage while evolving its visitor offering.
“Valletta’s recognition fills us with pride and gratitude, but also an immense responsibility to continue protecting and enriching this Mediterranean gem. The honour celebrates Malta’s beauty and heritage and attracts visitors who value culture, authenticity, and meaningful experiences.”
Carlo Micallef, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority, added that Valletta’s triumph is the result of years of investment in culture, heritage, and hospitality transforming it into “a living showcase of Maltese identity” and a model for sustainable tourism that prioritises excellence and community enrichment.
The recognition also sets the stage for Valletta to host the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit 2026, from 30 September – 2 October, the largest tourism event ever held in the Maltese Islands. The summit will convene global tourism leaders to discuss innovation, sustainability, and investment, further elevating Malta’s status as a forward-thinking tourism hub.
For New Zealand travel professionals, Valletta’s double win presents a clear opportunity to build new Mediterranean itineraries that include Malta pairing it with Italy, Greece, or the Middle East. With seamless one-stop connections via Doha, it’s easier than ever for Kiwis to experience a city that stands as a living museum of art, architecture, and seafaring history and now officially, the world’s best.