One of the chief goals of Preferred DMCs is that all members should operate at the same high standard. Additionally, members recognise that forming personal relationships with colleagues leads to cooperation that benefits the whole group in shared knowledge, expertise & cross-referral of business leads.

These founding beliefs were the inspiration for the inaugural Client Event: to gather members with their top clients to introduce them to each other in an amazing event showcasing one of our destinations & the high standard at which all members operate. The aim was to allow members and their clients to experience the destination – as guests for once! – as they got to know each other

Our Malta DMC, Colours of Malta, headed by Davide Cacchia & Cristine Galea excelled themselves in creating an outstanding program that has set the bar high for future Preferred DMCs Client Events. The 5*Hilton Malta was a gracious and generous host sponsor.

The program was cleverly designed to show all the highlights of Malta in two days. Attendees were introduced over a relaxed lunch in a traditional restaurant in Valetta. The pace immediately picked up with an hilarious team challenge around the old town, visits to the fascinating Caravaggio paintings in St John’s Cathedral, the truly Blue Lagoon from a speedboat and the villages of Gozo Island on a Tuk-tuk tour with stops along the way for fun games and tasting of local delicacies. Lunch in the shade of a 400year old carob tree was the high point of the day, but an astounding evening of treats, each more impressive that the last, was still to come.

Exquisite Classic cars elegantly transferred guests to the medieval city of M’dina. The traditional ‘companion’ of drummers accompanied a walk to the cathedral where another surprise awaited: the cathedral was opened for a private soprano performance. Shortly after this moving experience, the companions led the group to the ‘Grand Master’.  In an amusing ceremony accompanied by glasses of prosecco & canapés, he bestowed the title of Knights & Dames of the Order of St John on the clients.

All this and the evening had only just begun!

A walk through the magnificent walled gardens and awe-inspiring 18th century baroque palace, Palazzo Paraiso, culminated in the magnificent ballroom. An impressive gala dinner was enjoyed with a classical guitarist providing the background music. For the grand finale tables were reserved at nightclub Twenty Two with views over the island, and the party continued into the early hours.

An informal exchange of ideas between clients & members on the last morning proved extremely useful & informative, with both sides expressing that they would have liked more time for this.

The inaugural event came to an end on a high note with guests thrilled at the outstanding hospitality and quality of services experienced. All agreed it was a small investment of time with a big return in friends gained or friendships deepened and Preferred DMCs shown to be an association of professionals.