UK journalists view local property developments

Three UK-based freelance journalists were recently hosted to a three-day visit to Malta by Coldwell Banker's local offices.

The journalists were: Catherine Deshayes, whose work appears in the Sunday Express and other national papers' property sections; veteran journalist Alfred Lee, whose work with the Press Association is published in leading regional newspapers; and Neil Mackwood, who has worked with many national newspapers and the BBC.

The journalists were shown around by Geoffrey Ciantar, general manager of Coldwell Banker Malta, and Andrew Gatt, manager of the St Paul's Bay branch office.

They were first briefed by Maurice Tabone, sales and marketing director of the Tumas Group property division, who gave them an overview of the local property market and two of the group's developments, Portomaso and Tas-Sellum in Mellieħa, which the journalists also had the opportunity to visit.

The journalists were briefed by James Vassallo, sales and marketing manager of Tigné Point Marketing. After a presentation and an outline of the project at Tigné Point and Manoel Island on a scale model, the journalists viewed two show apartments and toured the extensive restoration works taking place.

They also visited the Metropolis sales office in Msida and shown round by Joe R. Aquilina, chairman of Metropolis Development, and May Mifsud, sales and marketing manager. The afternoon was spent in Gozo, visiting a number of typical dwellings, including farmhouses and conversions. According to Mr Ciantar, the journalists were struck by the colour of Maltese limestone and took interest in local building skills.

"This visit is part of the service of Coldwell Banker to promote Malta internationally, a considerable effort across a range of markets in Europe and the Middle East," he said.

Coldwell Banker operates from four offices: Attard, St Paul's Bay, Msida and Qormi.For more information visit www.coldwellbankermalta.com.