Hundreds of Belgians and other nationalities from the expat community in Brussels last week flocked to the Air Malta offices in Place Broukere to attend a weekend of activities organised by the national airline to promote Malta's cultural, historic and gastronomic heritage.

The event, the second of its kind, was held as part of the 'Brussels - Capital of Europe' initiative, organised by the Belgian European Movement to highlight the diversity of the 27 EU member states.

Through the Air Malta offices, visitors had the chance to admire an exhibition set up especially for the occasion by UK-born artist Winston Hassall, better known locally as 'the Valletta artist', with oil and acrylic paintings depicting all aspects and scenes of Maltese life.

Visitors could also taste Maltese food and wine, including bigilla, cheesecakes and goat cheese.

Commenting on the activities, Angelo Sciberras, area manager for Belgium and Holland, said that Air Malta has always been at the forefront of promoting the Maltese Islands overseas.

"We believe that through our network of overseas offices and representatives we are in the right place to advertise and promote the Maltese Islands in markets where there is potential of further traffic growth."

Mr Sciberras said that through such activities and exhibitions Air Malta offers a 'taste' of Malta by promoting the island's cultural, historical, culinary, contemporary art and heritage.

According to the national airline, this event gave the company the opportunity to promote the ever-growing popularity of Malta as a short city-break destination.