Manchester United’s football legend Denis Irwin was present last Saturday at the VisitMalta stand at the Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show in Manchester, which took place between the 16th and 19th of January 2025. Denis Irwin engaged with fans, provided a brief interview, and mingled with the crowd, making the event even more memorable for attendees.

Malta Sports Journalists Association’s Administrator Stephen Azzopardi had the opportunity to interview Denis Irwin thanks to VisitMalta and its collaboration with Manchester United. Denis Irwin said that he enjoyed playing with Manchester United and learnt a lot from Sir Alex Ferguson, who always took care of his players and was considered as a father figure. Irwin gave some advice to the young ones to enjoy playing football and keep smiling because football is a very nice game.

Denis Irwin fondly recalls his meeting with Manchester United fans at the Manchester United Supporters’ Club in Malta, which is one of the oldest branches, founded on 4th February 1959. Visiting Valletta, the Blue Lagoon, and Gozo left a lasting impression on him, and he looks forward to returning to our Maltese islands.

VisitMalta’s stand throughout the fair gave the attendees the unique opportunity to enjoy a demonstration of local Maltese cuisine by a talented local chef. The VisitMalta stand at the event showcased a variety of local Maltese dishes, complemented by the chance to taste traditional Maltese beverages, such as local wines, beers, and soft drinks. Malta’s rich culinary heritage was proudly highlighted to visitors, further emphasising the island’s cultural offerings. On Malta Day 2025 at Old Trafford, local Maltese dishes were served to further immerse guests in the island’s culinary delights.

Malta Day scored a major success at Old Trafford on Sunday as Manchester United faced Brighton & Hove Albion. The event, a unique collaboration between VisitMalta and Manchester United, brought the spirit of Malta to the iconic stadium, captivating football fans and the Greater Manchester community with a vibrant showcase of the islands’ culture and tourism offerings.

As part of VisitMalta’s ongoing advertising campaign across Manchester and Old Trafford, Malta Day showcased the best of what Malta has to offer, ensuring maximum exposure for the VisitMalta brand in front of more than 74,000 spectators within the stadium.

Fans were also introduced to the beauty and charm of Malta through impactful branding and targeted campaigns, showcased around different parts of Manchester, including visible branding at Manchester Piccadilly Station and Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre, as well as surrounding areas. The total recorded footfall in 2024 for Manchester Piccadilly Station was 8.8 million entries and exits, while Manchester Arndale saw a footfall of over 46 million visitors throughout the same year.

The VisitMalta brand took centre stage, with dynamic advertising across Old Trafford’s perimeter boards, big screens, and digital platforms, ensuring unmatched visibility during the match. Visitors had the chance to win exclusive Malta-themed prizes, including all-expenses-paid holidays to the Maltese Islands. A dedicated VisitMalta campaign allowed fans to explore travel packages, learn about Maltese cuisine, and discover the islands’ breathtaking landmarks, from the azure waters of the Blue Lagoon to the historic streets of Valletta.

Malta Day at Old Trafford underscored VisitMalta’s commitment to positioning Malta as a premier destination for travel, culture, and sports tourism. With Manchester United’s massive global following, this partnership offered an unparalleled platform to inspire millions to explore the Maltese Islands.