Sustainable Meetings
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed what we thought we knew, and the crisis has underlined the need for innovative and creative thinking in rebuilding and rethinking tourism. This inspired us to create a community of service providers and partners, key to the initiative as they, together with us, need to transform, educate, learn, and discuss issues so that together we can make the difference. We also support artisans and small local businesses.
Our Very Valletta concept was inspired by the very essence of the Sovereign Military Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Rhodes, and Malta, mercifully shortened to KMOM (or Knights of Malta). The Knights, who originated from eight different regions in Europe, stayed in Auberges which were pretty much their accommodation (on full board) whilst they performed their religious and military duties in and around Valletta to protect and defend Europe.
Today, these Auberges have been transformed into museums or government offices, including the Office of the Prime Minister at Auberge de Castille. Beyond accommodation we have also created lists of our favourite restaurants, quirky venues, roof-tops, unusual meeting rooms, open spaces, yoga spots, cafés, bars and activities. The idea is that we will stitch together a program that engages with the local community and, as much as possible, supports local businesses. Our concept also endeavours to reduce our dependence on fuel-powered vehicles. Valletta is predominantly pedestrianised and follows a grid-like design, making it easy and very pleasant to get around on foot.
With the Maltese Islands being Europe’s sunniest meeting destination in winter, Valletta beckons to incorporate outdoor elements in an urban setting. Demand is growing for gatherings and venues to appeal to all the senses. There is more to an effective meeting than meets the eye – there’s also what meets all the other senses. And the best way to do this is to take the meeting outdoors.
By encouraging attendees to get out of the traditional boardroom, meetings planners can find easy and fun ways to engage their groups and create a setting that builds lasting connections among your attendees. Sometimes a small change in setting is all it takes to make a big difference to the event. We are utmost believers in doing things differently, with an eye for detail.  By choosing outdoor events, we choose to infuse ‘light space’ – in other words, a natural setting with elements like fresh air, sunlight, trees and running water. These types of spaces are perfect for groups to spur creativity and re-energize, helping to increase the success of the gathering.
As sustainability is now an essential component of any event, we promote ‘farm-to-table’ experiences with some of Malta’s most talented chefs with whom we create outdoor culinary experiences in awesome locations.
Planners are finding authenticity and cultural enlightenment to be goals of every gathering. When a group experiences something memorable together, the camaraderie created can be very powerful. The best networking happens when the group is doing something new and unusual together. Very Valletta infuses unique cultural experiences into the social program, to create organic bonding between delegates. Attendees want to be entertained, engaged, and inspired.
With many meeting venues within walking-distance of boutique hotels in Valletta as well as restaurants, cafés and attractions, planners benefit from a pedestrian-friendly meeting district. Having attendees close to the meeting site fosters interaction and saves on transportation. Underscoring our ‘green credentials’, there will be little need for cars and coaches, since there is plenty to do and see around the meeting venue.
In addition to the above, we have partnered with NGOs like Friends of the Earth, Birdlife and Nature Trust to bring to the table some very green locations that are seldom chosen because of their remoteness, ironically on an island of only 350 square kilometres. We have developed several concepts that immerse you in the inspiring beauty of mother nature.
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