German TV chef named Malta Culinary Ambassador

The Malta Tourism Authority, together with representatives from the tourism trade, took part in the ITB fair in Berlin, the world's biggest and busiest tourism-related fair.

The MTA opened for business with a fresh image thanks to the newly-designed modern and attractive stand. Barbara Schöneberger, a famous German TV host and singer, paid the Malta stand a visit in her role as president of Opodia, a leading internet travel portal -http://reisen.opodo.de/opodien/.

MTA chairman Sam Mifsud and other MTA officials greeted Ms Schöneberger and presented her with Maltese lace, a Maltese cross pendant and a euro starter kit with Maltese coins a symbol of Malta's history and hospitality.

Mr Mifsud appointed German TV chef Rainer Mitze as Malta's Culinary Ambassador for this year and presented Mr Mitze with a silver ladle bearing a Maltese cross.

The MTA's office in Germany has been cooperating with Mr Mitze for quite some time now also because he has a big passion for the Maltese Islands and the uniqueness of Maltese cuisine. In 2004, Mr Mitze decided to open a branch of his popular cooking colleges in Malta at Razzett l-Antik in Qormi where holidaymakers and incentive groups can learn how to cook Maltese cuisine. Moreover, Mr Mitze has published a book about Maltese cuisine with a twist and is working on new books about Maltese olive oil and sweets. The MTA office in Germany has also planned a number of culinary projects with Mr Mitze, including a film shoot with Deutsche Welle TV.