VisitMalta’s Michelle Buttigieg Named Destination Leader of the Year at Global Traveler Awards

Michelle Buttigieg, North America Representative for VisitMalta, has been named Destination Leader of the Year at Global Traveler’s 14th Annual Lifestyle Awards Gala, held April 20 at the InterContinental Miami. The award recognizes her impact in strengthening awareness and driving visitation to Malta from the United States and Canada.

The honor was presented by Francis X. Gallagher, who praised Buttigieg’s long-standing advocacy for the destination. “Michelle Buttigieg has been an unwavering spokesperson for Malta and all its history, culture, and openness to all travelers,” said Gallagher. “She has educated the American market on the destination’s offerings and helped travelers realize that Malta belongs on their list of places to visit.”

Since taking on her role with the Malta Tourism Office in 2014, Buttigieg has helped transform Malta’s visibility across North America. During her tenure, arrivals from the U.S. and Canada have more than quadrupled, positioning the island nation as one of the Mediterranean’s fastest-growing destinations.

“Accepting this Destination Leader of the Year Award from Global Traveler is incredibly meaningful and reflects what has been a truly rewarding journey over the past 12 years since we established our VisitMalta’s North American representation,” said Buttigieg. “There was a time when the question was, ‘Where is Malta?’—today, it’s ‘When is the best time to visit?’ That evolution is a testament to the tremendous support of the travel advisor community and our industry partners, as well as Malta’s expanding luxury offerings and authentic, curated experiences that invite travelers to explore beyond the expected.”

In addition to Buttigieg’s individual recognition, VisitMalta was honored with the Outstanding Social Responsibility Award, highlighting its commitment to inclusivity and equality.

Buttigieg pointed to Malta’s global leadership in LGBTQIA+ rights as a key factor in its appeal. “Malta’s commitment to cultivating a safe and inclusive environment has placed the islands #1 on ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map for ten consecutive years. Malta has also become a popular wedding & honeymoon destination for the American LGBTQIA+ travel market,” she said.

This recognition is supported by ongoing initiatives, including protections for gender identity and annual Pride celebrations in Valletta, further reinforcing Malta’s reputation as a welcoming destination for all travelers.

With growing awareness and continued investment in inclusive, high-quality travel experiences, Malta’s rise among North American travelers shows strong momentum—driven in large part by Buttigieg’s leadership and vision.