The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) hosted the U.S. premiere of Hidden Malta, a one-hour global television prime-time special, in New York, on Thursday night.
Hidden Malta is produced, hosted, and narrated by CBS News Travel Editor and multiple Emmy Award-winning journalist Peter Greenberg. It will air this fall on the American channel PBS-TV, across the United States, and subsequently stream worldwide on Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, and YouTube.
The event was attended by distinguished guests including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg, Malta’s Ambassador to the United States, Godfrey Xuereb, Malta’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Natasha Meli-Daudey, MTA CEO Carlo Micallef, MTA Representative in North America, Michelle Buttigieg, and other MTA representatives and industry stakeholders.
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted that the event comes during a particularly significant week for Malta–U.S. relations. “Everything is coming together. We started the week by announcing that a main American airline, Delta Airlines, will start to operate direct flights between Malta and New York, and today we are here launching this documentary. This moment opens the door to a new era where Malta becomes not only easier to reach, but impossible to forget. Hidden Malta is more than a film, it is an invitation.”
Peter Greenberg described the premiere as the culmination of a decade-long journey to bring Malta’s story to an international audience. He explained how much effort went into uncovering the country’s less familiar side. “Tonight was the culmination of ten years of work, research, logistics to try to be able to do justice to Malta. To show hidden gems, things that are not in the guidebooks, in the brochures,” he explained.
Carlo Micallef, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority, noted that the premiere was not only a celebration of Hidden Malta, but also a reflection of the sustained investment in positioning Malta within the American market. “This is the result of years of dedicated work, and today we are seeing its fruit. The American market is one that delivers and continues to grow strongly,” he said.
By uncovering experiences that go beyond traditional attractions, from the salt pans of Gozo and the artistry of Maltese tiles to luzzu fishing and traditional games, Hidden Malta presents the islands as a destination rich in authenticity, culture, and history. The programme showcases Malta’s unique character, representing a proud moment of cultural diplomacy, sharing the nation’s story on one of the world’s most respected broadcasting platforms. It is a significant step in raising Malta’s global profile, offering millions of new viewers an insight into the islands’ traditions, heritage, and distinctive charm.
Photo: MFT
