Holiday Maker Tours marked its 50th anniversary by returning to Malta, the island where it all began in 1976. The company, known for crafting high-quality, tailored travel experiences, chose the Mediterranean destination for its jubilee celebration last weekend. Malta holds a special place in its history as the first destination the Swiss tour operator included in its catalog. Holiday Maker Tours was the first Swiss company to offer Malta as a travel destination, making it a trailblazer in Swiss travel.
The team’s reunion trip blended nostalgia with adventure. An interactive iPad challenge guided them through Valletta, followed by a traditional boat ride along the Valletta Waterfront to Vittoriosa. The use of Dghajsa, the iconic Maltese wooden boats, added a touch of local authenticity to the journey. There, a guided tour with the Rolling Geeks explored the historic Three Cities, offering insights into the area’s rich maritime heritage and centuries-old fortifications.
Gozo became another highlight. From St. Julian’s, the group took a speedboat to the island, then cruised around in buggies. The island’s distinct character, with its quieter pace and unique cultural traditions, provided a stark contrast to the busy capital. The return trip included a stop at Comino, rounding out a day of exploration across the Maltese archipelago.
The trip wasn’t just a celebration—it was a return to the roots of a company that has since expanded globally. After adding destinations like the United Arab Emirates in 1986, it later broadened its reach to the Middle East, Caucasus, and Central Asia. The expansion into these regions reflected a growing demand for exotic destinations among Swiss travelers. In 2012, the focus shifted to the Indian Ocean, with additions like the Maledives, Mauritius, and Seychelles, as well as Sri Lanka, La Réunion, and Zanzibar. By 2024, the Caribbean joined the lineup, further diversifying the portfolio to cater to a wider range of travel preferences.
While the company now offers trips to dozens of regions, Malta remains a symbolic cornerstone. It was the first destination on the books in 1976, and nearly five decades later, it was the perfect place to honor half a century of travel innovation. The enduring connection to Malta shows the company’s commitment to preserving its heritage while continuing to innovate in the travel industry.
The anniversary trip showed how far the company has come. Yet the choice of Malta wasn’t just sentimental—it reflected a business model built on discovery. Few Swiss tour operators had ventured there in the 1970s, making Holiday Maker Tours a pioneer. Today, its growth mirrors the shifting tastes of travelers, but the core remains the same: crafting experiences that balance adventure with authenticity. The question now is whether Malta’s enduring appeal will keep it a staple in the catalog, or if newer destinations will gradually overshadow it. Corinne Auer, representing Holiday Maker Tours, emphasized this balance during the celebration.