Valletta breaks into top 10 global 'workcation' destinations

Valletta has been ranked 10th in the world's best destinations for remote working holidays, according to a new study.

The International Workplace Group's Work from Anywhere Barometer placed the Mediterranean city alongside other European favourites including Rome, Paris and Lisbon.

The study assessed 40 cities worldwide on factors including internet connectivity, flexible workspaces, climate, accommodation costs and access to nature.

Valletta's compact, walkable layout and recently introduced digital nomad visa helped secure its position, researchers said.

Growing trend

The concept of "workcations" - combining work with holiday destinations - has surged in popularity since the pandemic normalised remote working.

Three-quarters of workers surveyed cited access to natural spaces as a key factor when choosing remote work locations.

Mark Dixon, founder of IWG, said employees now had "the freedom to work wherever and whenever suits them best".

Malta has invested heavily in digital infrastructure and created favourable conditions for location-independent professionals, positioning itself as an attractive European hub for remote workers.

Financial hub appeal

The island's appeal extends beyond remote workers. Malta offers attractive tax packages for expatriates in financial services and other high-value industries, supplementing its existing pool of local finance professionals.

The country's strategic position as a gateway between Europe and Asia, combined with its growing reputation as an aviation hub, makes it particularly attractive to business travellers.This connectivity allows global professionals to easily fly in and out for business, further enriching the island's international workforce.

The study suggests companies adopting flexible workspace strategies could see productivity gains of up to 11% over five years, while reducing staff turnover by a fifth.