MTA Stores: A Testament to Dedication and Global Outreach

In the heart of Mriehel, Malta, stands a testament to dedication and hard work – the MTA Stores.

For the past three decades, two stalwarts, Godfrey Farrugia and Albert Aquilina, have been the unsung heroes behind the scenes, ensuring the smooth operation of this treasure trove of promotional materials that play a pivotal role in the Malta Tourism Authority's (MTA) global outreach.

The story of MTA Stores began in 1997 when the Mriehel branch opened its doors. Godfrey and Albert, both veterans with 30 years of service, were the only two employees tasked with the responsibility of managing this crucial hub. Before this localized store, MTA had various storage spaces scattered across the island, but the demand for a centralised and efficient storage facility became evident.

Upon stepping into the MTA Stores, one is met with shelves brimming with merchandise – keychains, pens, and an array of giveaway products. However, the real essence lies in the abundance of promotional materials like brochures, maps, leaflets, and travel documents that traverse the islands of Malta and Gozo.

The richness of content is further emphasized by the inclusion of multiple languages, catering to the diverse international audience. From French and German to Dutch, Spanish, Italian, and Swedish, the MTA Stores are a linguistic hub ensuring that every visitor feels at home.

Godfrey reminisces about one of the most peculiar shipments he ever handled:

"One of the most memorable packages I prepared for shipment was a life-size Maltese Knight. This was heading to Sweden for an event hosted by the MTA; however packaging it securely was our biggest dilemma! You've got to be creative sometimes; we repurposed an almost-big-enough box; folded it to size, packed it to ensure Grandmaster Giovanni was safe and shipped it up North. That was one of the strangest packages I've had to pack... so far!"

It may have been an unconventional packaging solution, but it spoke volumes about the dedication and ingenuity required to meet the demands of the job.

The MTA Stores serve a crucial purpose – to keep all materials localized, organized, and readily available for referral and immediate shipment. The majority of these materials find their way to overseas fairs, with notable appearances at events like the World Travel Market (WTM) in London and Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) in Berlin.

These global platforms amplify Malta's presence on the tourism map, and the MTA Stores play a pivotal role in ensuring that the island nation is represented in the best possible light.

The dedication and hard work of Godfrey Farrugia and Albert Aquilina, the unsung heroes of MTA Stores is a testimony to their commitment that echoes through the shelves stocked with promotional materials, each item carrying the essence of Malta to destinations far and wide.

The MTA Stores stand not just as a storage facility but as a beacon of Malta's commitment to global tourism.