Patrons of the UK’s largest, and most luxurious, department store are set to learn more about the island come March, thanks to a Malta-themed exhibition held across Harrods’ famous Knightsbridge home.
Tourism Minister Mario de Marco described the initiative as a “different and innovative way of showcasing Malta” and Finance Minister Tonio Fenech augured the exhibition would serve as a “strong investment platform”.
The exhibition was due to run between March 1 and 28 and would promote Malta in a variety of ways, Malta’s High Commissioner to the UK, Joseph Zammit Tabona, explained.
A sunken galleon full of Maltese artefacts will take up five of the store’s shop windows, greeting the 1.2 million monthly visitors at Harrods as they enter the store.
Inside, digital screens will depict a series of Maltese facts and an art exhibition with works by 30 Maltese artists will take pride of place on the store’s fourth floor. Mdina blown glass, antique silver and Maltese photography will also feature.
Each of the store’s till receipts will promote Malta and Gozo. Harrods issues about one million receipts every month.
The 105,000 readers of the store’s monthly magazine will also get a taste of the Mediterranean, thanks to a special Malta supplement set to be distributed with the magazine.
Aside from promoting tourism, the exhibition will include an area dedicated to hosting business meetings.
The exhibition has been timed to come mere weeks before the 70th anniversary of Malta receiving the George Cross for the “heroism and devotion of its people” during World War II.
It is not the first time Harrods has hosted such an exhibition and countries such as Morocco, Switzerland and Thailand have previously held similar activities there.
“The Harrods ethos that ‘anything is possible’ chimes perfectly with Malta’s vision for tourism and investment,” Mr Zammit Tabona said.
Mr Fenech augured that the exhibition would help revitalise Malta’s image among UK investors. “Many investors simply think of Malta as a sun and sea destination. This initiative, which marries tourism and investment promotion, seeks to promote Malta in a more holistic manner.”
Dr de Marco agreed. “We need to ensure people in the UK are not stuck with a perception of Malta passed on from their grandparents. Malta is also a modern, dynamic country. This exhibition will try and put that across.”