As a prelude to the highly anticipated SiGMA Europe-Mediterranean Summit taking place in Malta from September 1–3, the Gozo Affiliate Retreat offered an exclusive three-day program designed for top-tier affiliates.
Hospitality With Purpose
Guests were hosted at the five-star Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, a tranquil setting chosen to encourage strategic dialogue and meaningful introductions. The retreat was carefully curated to combine luxury hospitality with valuable networking opportunities, allowing decision-makers to engage in an environment removed from the bustle of the main summit.
Georgi Vladimirov, Affiliate Consultant at Betsson Group, praised the experience:
“From the moment we arrived, everything was excellent. Connections started immediately, and there were networking opportunities everywhere.”
Event Highlights
The retreat blended authentic Gozo experiences with premium networking touchpoints.
- Day 1 (Aug 28): An opening reception at the Baldakkin Gastrobar set the tone, offering guests their first chance to connect with Gozo representatives.
- Day 2 (Aug 29): Affiliates enjoyed a private yacht trip to the Blue Lagoon in Comino, featuring crystal-clear waters, onboard lunch, and entertainment from local DJ JJoy. The evening continued with a curated dinner at Terrazzo followed by traditional village festivities in Għajnsielem, complete with fireworks, parades, and local delicacies.
- Day 3 (Aug 30): The retreat concluded with a farewell lunch at Xerri il-Bukkett, overlooking the Blue Lagoon, before guests headed to Malta for the main summit.
Ronald Sultana, representing the Ministry for Gozo, reflected on the collaboration:
“This was our first time partnering with SiGMA to host affiliates in Gozo. The retreat showed us the real potential of building long-term strategies with affiliates.”
Aligning With Malta’s Long-Term Vision
Beyond hospitality, the retreat reinforced Gozo’s role in Malta’s broader economic framework, tying into both Malta Vision 2050 and the Gozo Regional Development Strategy. These policies emphasize innovation, skills development, and sustainable regional growth.
By positioning Gozo as a hub for knowledge-driven industries and investment, the retreat illustrated how tourism, technology, and talent can be combined into a unified narrative—turning participants into active contributors to Malta’s long-term ambitions.
Lotte Kempe, Sales Director at Affiliate Alliance, noted:
“The retreat was fantastic because it brought together different cultures, which always sparks new business ideas.”
Why Gozo, Why Now
For affiliates, time is the most valuable resource. Gozo offered the perfect balance: easy access from Malta combined with a slower pace, creating the ideal atmosphere for high-value conversations ahead of a busy summit week.
The retreat served as a warm-up to the Europe-Med Summit, ensuring participants entered the event with pre-established connections and clear objectives.
From an ROI perspective, the benefits were clear: an intimate group size, quality face time with stakeholders, and early relationship building reduced the risk of missed opportunities once the summit begins.
With backing from the Ministry for Gozo and Invest Gozo, the retreat not only showcased the island’s capacity for executive-level hospitality but also highlighted its contribution to Malta’s wider economic growth.
In 2024, Malta’s conference week generated over €100 million in tourism revenue, proving that well-orchestrated business events can deliver lasting economic impact. The Gozo Affiliate Retreat built on that momentum, setting the tone for an even bigger and more impactful Europe-Mediterranean Summit.
