Extending the Season
December 31, 2025
The global Accor brand makes its debut in
Malta with a 293-room hotel in Gżira, a move
that signals the island’s growing pull for
international players in the hospitality sector.
Malta’s tourism landscape continues
to evolve, and the arrival of one of
the world’s most recognisable hotel
brands marks another significant step
forward.
The newly opened Novotel
Malta Sliema, a 293-room property overlooking Valletta
and the Mediterranean, is the first from the global Accor
group to open on the island - a milestone that underlines
Malta’s growing ability to attract international names to
its shores.
The hotel sits in Gżira, a short stroll from the Sliema
promenade and ferry terminal, with far-reaching views
across the Grand Harbour to Valletta.
Its setting places
guests at the meeting point of the island’s urban energy
and seafront calm, with easy access to shopping, dining,
and Malta’s capital. Operated locally by ST Group under
a franchise agreement with Accor, the project brings
together international reach and Maltese management,
signalling confidence in the country’s hospitality sector.
“Malta is a destination rich in culture and connectivity,”
said Cristina De Oliveira-Frewen, Chief Operating Officer,
Franchise Operations Europe & North Africa, Premium,
Midscale & Economy at Accor.
“Novotel’s expansion into Malta and across Europe
reflects our commitment to bringing balanced,
experience-led hospitality to key markets.
Novotel Malta
Sliema is a prime example of how we integrate modern
design, wellbeing and strategic location to serve both
business and leisure travellers.”
Inside, the property combines contemporary design with
a focus on wellbeing and flexibility. A rooftop infinity pool
looks across the harbour, while a spa, fitness centre, and
multipurpose meeting spaces add to the sense of modern
comfort. Each detail, from interiors to layout, has been
designed with the brand’s philosophy of balance in mind,
as a space for guests to work, rest and reconnect.
For Malta, the partnership carries symbolic weight. Ivan
Borg Ferrando, Cluster General Manager at ST Group,
added: “Welcoming Novotel to Malta is a significant
step for the local hospitality sector. It shows that Malta
continues to attract prestigious international brands,
enhancing the island’s global profile as a tourism
destination.”
His words reflect a wider pattern in the sector, as more
global hotel groups identify Malta as a market that
bridges heritage, modern infrastructure, and yearround
appeal. The opening also highlights how Malta’s
hospitality offering is shifting beyond its traditional resort
model.
With business tourism and long-stay travel on the
rise, the emphasis is increasingly on versatility - hotels
that can cater to conferences as easily as family holidays.
Novotel’s arrival fits neatly into this narrative, combining
the accessibility of a midscale brand with the hallmarks of
international quality.
Part of Accor’s ALL – Accor Live Limitless loyalty network,
the new property joins more than 5,700 hotels and
resorts worldwide, offering members access to exclusive
experiences and benefits.
For travellers, it means a
familiar brand in a fresh destination; for Malta, it signals
that its tourism economy continues to move confidently
on a global trajectory.
In the broader picture, the launch of Novotel Malta Sliema
adds another layer to the island’s hospitality story - one
that blends international partnerships with local expertise,
and modern comfort with Mediterranean character.
The
arrival of Novotel marks a clear step in Malta’s tourism
story, a moment that captures the island’s growing
international reach and the strength of the foundations on
which its hospitality sector continues to build.
Novotel Sliema Malta is the first of its kind on the Maltese islands, offering 293 comfortable rooms. Guests enjoy full dining options, a lobby bar, and a pool bar with stunning views of Ta Xbiex and Valletta.
The hotel features indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, a state of the art gym, on site parking, complimentary Wi Fi, smart TVs, and in room amenities. For business travelers, modern meeting rooms and conference facilities with the latest technology are available.
W: https://www.novotel.mt/ | E: novotel.malta.res@accor.com | Tel: +356 2264 1400
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