Latest news with #Malta
TTG
5 hours ago
- TTG
‘As a new agent, I didn't know the value in escorted touring – but this trip changed my mind'
My fam trip with Travelsphere and Just You was incredibly beneficial and has significantly enhanced my understanding of touring holidays, both for couples and for solo travellers. Being quite new to travel, I didn't feel I had a great knowledge of this holiday type, and so, having the opportunity to experience one of these tours first-hand was truly eye-opening. It allowed me to appreciate the sheer amount of value in touring, from the expertly designed itineraries to the knowledgeable, friendly tour manager and guide who made every destination come alive. Kirstie, our tour manager, stayed in the hotel with us and was with the group throughout. Ivan, our local guide, was so passionate about his country and this really did shine through. I genuinely believed that what he did not know about the country was not worth knowing. The standard of accommodation was consistently high; we stayed at the AX Odycy in Qawra. The hotel had a central location and a lovely adult-only rooftop pool that guests could experience during their free days. Every logistical detail was taken care of, which ensured a smooth, stress-free journey – something that many clients are looking for. One of the standout aspects of the trip was witnessing how both brands meet the needs of their respective audiences. Travelsphere offers a warm and welcoming group experience that's ideal for couples and friends travelling together, while Just You focuses exclusively on solo travellers, creating an environment that feels inclusive, sociable, and empowering. As a group, we were given information advising us of some differences between the two brands, for example Just You guests are guaranteed a room for sole occupancy and should they prefer to dine as part of a group, then there is always that option. There was a real sense of community on the tour, which contributed to a genuinely enjoyable experience. Everyone had the opportunity to connect and enjoy the destinations together, yet there was also room for personal time and space when needed. There were many highlights across the five days, visiting Valletta, the Blue Grotto and Mdina, but I particularly enjoyed our time on Gozo – it has the perfect blend of natural beauty, history and charm. The food also made a good impression – the famous pea pasties, or pastizzi tal pizelli, were very tasty, as were the traditional farmhouse lunches, where we learnt about Malta's rich olive oil heritage and how they make traditional Maltese cheese. The programme also included a folklore dinner show, which featured local performers who told the story of Maltese history through dance. There was a little audience participation too, where some of us were chosen to join them on the dance floor.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Q2 2025: Stable Core, Strategic Divestment, and Strengthened SubAffiliation Pipeline
TRIQ I-IMSIDA IL-GZIRA, MT / / July 23, 2025 / Raketech (STO:RAKE) - Quote from Johan Svensson, CEO "Focus remains on delivering on AffiliationCloud and our platform-first strategy, anchored in Affiliation and SubAffiliation. We will continue to explore new entrepreneurial partnerships in key markets and additional assets. By deepening our exclusive commercial operator agreements, diversifying beyond traditional SEO channels, and expanding our publisher network, we are well-positioned to drive efficiency, reach, and long-term value." Q2 2025 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Raketech recorded revenues of EUR 7.8 million in Q2 2025 (EUR 17.0 million in Q2 2024, which included EUR 0.8 million from the divested advisory business). Revenues were primarily affected by continuing challenges in the Paid Publisher Network (SubAffiliation). Our core Affiliation Marketing portfolio, excluding the Casumba assets, showed positive momentum, delivering a 5% revenue increase quarter-over-quarter. Adjusted EBITDA amounted to EUR 2.1 million, while reported EBITDA was EUR 2.0 million. During the quarter, we divested our non-core US tipster and subscription assets, with the transaction closing at the end of June. These assets, along with the related US operations, had a negative EBITDA impact of EUR 0.5 million in Q2. Adjusted EBITDA excluding US tipster assets was EUR 2.6 million in the quarter. Free cash flow before earnouts totalled EUR 1.8 million in Q2 2025, largely in line with EBITDA. OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS We achieved cost savings of 35% in Q2 2025 (excluding publisher costs) compared to Q1 of last year, which marked the initiation of a review of our operating model. We successfully divested our non-core US Tipster and Subscription assets, which is expected to result in improved profitability going forward, with additional monthly cost savings of approximately EUR 150k. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS AFTER THE END OF THE PERIOD Preliminary data on July 2025 revenues for our Affiliation Marketing assets indicate performance in line with typical seasonal trends as expected, reflecting a somewhat softer activity during the early summer period and the absence of major sport events. Activity is anticipated to pick up toward the end of summer. The lower margin Paid Network (SubAffiliation) continues to face headwinds, consistent with Q2 and previous quarters while the organic Network is performing as expected. CEO COMMENT In Q2, we continued to make progress on both our platform-first strategy and efforts to streamline our organization. While revenues declined year-on-year, this was primarily driven by two specific areas: the Casumba assets and the Paid Publisher segment within SubAffiliation, which together accounted for a vast majority of the drop combined with the divested US Advisory business. Overall market conditions for Casumba continued to be challenging during the quarter, and recent structural changes in Google's advertising ecosystem, as highlighted in Q1, have further increased the difficulty of scaling paid traffic across the industry. Our core strategy however is delivering results, driven by our entrepreneurial partnership model, Affiliation Marketing, excluding Casumba, grew 5% quarter-over-quarter. SubAffiliation, excluding Paid, remained stable, with growing momentum in exclusive commercial operator agreements and a promising pipeline of revenue-generating Organic Publishers. Furthermore, we successfully divested our non-core US Tipster and Subscription assets, which is expected to result in improved profitability going forward. Financial OverviewRaketech recorded revenues of EUR 7.8 million in Q2 2025 (EUR 17.0 million in Q2 2024, which included EUR 0.8 million from the divested advisory business). EBITDA amounted to EUR 2.0 million (EUR 4.4 million), while Adjusted EBITDA amounted to EUR 2.1 million (EUR 4.4 million), including a EUR 0.5 million operational loss in our divested US Tipster assets. Adjusted EBITDA excluding US tipster assets was EUR 2.6 million in the quarter. Business Area Updates Affiliation MarketingDuring the second quarter of 2025, our core Affiliation Marketing portfolio, excluding the underperforming Casumba assets, demonstrated continued strength, delivering 5% revenue growth quarter-over-quarter. A key driver of this performance is our entrepreneurial partnership model, which now accounts for approximately 63% of revenues in this business area. The model allows Raketech to retain full ownership of assets while leveraging its centralized strengths in commercial agreements, finance, reporting, data, and technology. Our partners contribute deep domain expertise in areas such as SEO, content, and product development, creating a highly scalable and operationally efficient structure. As part of our ongoing efforts to diversify our sources of revenue beyond SEO, we have signed a new commercial agreement with a large Nordic TV and streaming operator to provide them with valuable traffic from our TV sport guides. This strengthens our position within the Affiliation Marketing business area and broadens our distribution network. Casumba performance was impacted by worsened market conditions. These headwinds have affected the entire affiliate industry. As previously announced, we extended the earn-out agreement and continue working closely with the founders on operational improvements. Affiliation Marketing remains a core component of our platform, and the quarter's results highlight the strength and consistency of our partnership-driven model. SubAffiliation - Organic Publisher Network and Paid Publisher NetworkOur Organic Network performed in line with the previous quarter, supported by our broad and robust pipeline of publishers. The number of revenue-generating publishers is in line with the previous quarter. We have strengthened our exclusive commercial operator agreements in the US, one of our target markets and a key focus of our SubAffiliation offering. The US business grew strongly during the quarter, reflecting our strategic emphasis on exclusive, high-quality partnerships in key markets. In contrast, the Paid Publisher Network experienced a quarter-over-quarter decline, primarily due to structural changes in Google's ad ecosystem. This is a broad industry challenge, and we are reviewing the role of Paid within our model. In response, we have continued to focus on organic network publishers and exclusive commercial operator agreements, supporting both operators and publishers who want to consolidate their commercial operations through Raketech. US Tipster & SubscriptionThe divestment of our US tipster assets was a key strategic milestone this quarter, allowing us to further sharpen our focus on our core skills. The transaction delivered a realized net gain of EUR 200k, offset by an operating loss of EUR 500k. Importantly, this strategic exit eliminates ongoing operational losses and cost exposure tied to this business area as of July 1st. This will have a positive impact on EBITDA and overall cash flow going forward. Conclusion & Next StepsFocus remains on delivering on AffiliationCloud and our platform-first strategy, anchored in Affiliation and SubAffiliation. We will continue to explore new entrepreneurial partnerships in key markets and additional assets. By deepening our exclusive commercial operator agreements, diversifying beyond traditional SEO channels, and expanding our publisher network, we are well-positioned to drive efficiency, reach, and long-term value. Johan Svensson, CEO LINK TO REPORT The full Interim Report is available on REPORT PRESENTATION CEO Johan Svensson and CFO Måns Svalborn will present the report in a conference call on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 09:00 CEST. The presentation can be followed via both a conference call and an online audio cast, including a Q&A session open to all listeners at the end of the presentation. If you wish to participate via webcast, please use the link below. Via the webcast you are able to ask written questions. If you wish to participate via teleconference, please register on the link below. After registration, you will be provided with phone numbers and a conference ID to access the conference. You can ask questions verbally via teleconference. For more information, please contact: investor@ About Raketech Group Raketech is a leading online affiliate and content marketing company, with expertise in delivering comparison services for sports and gaming, online guides, communities, and social media products. Raketech guides sports and gaming enthusiasts to the best possible services, while also delivering high-quality traffic and leads to its partners. Raketech grows both organically and via acquisitions and operates its business in accordance with a clear framework for responsible affiliate marketing services. The company's shares are listed in Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market with ticker RAKE. DNB Carnegie Investment Bank AB (publ) is the company's Certified Adviser. For more information, visit This information is information that Raketech is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 2025-07-23 08:00 CEST. Attachments Q2 2025 Stable Core, Strategic Divestment, And Strengthened SubAffiliation Pipeline SOURCE: Raketech View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chelsea confirm scaled-back pre-season plans as tour is ruled out after Club World Cup exploits under Enzo Maresca
Chelsea win Club World Cup Faced with shorter break than rivals Blues confirm scaled-back pre-season Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱 WHAT HAPPENED? After winning the Club World Cup, which only ended eight days ago, Chelsea have revealed they will play Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan on August 8 and 10, respectively, as part of the VisitMalta Weekender friendly tournament at Stamford Bridge. As a result, they won't be going on a pre-season tour this year. WHAT CHELSEA SAID A post on Chelsea's website reads: "Having spent much of June and July in the USA competing in our glorious FIFA Club World Cup campaign, we will be staying close to home for pre-season this year. As well as training at Cobham, Chelsea will be hosting the 2025 VisitMalta Weekender friendly tournament at Stamford Bridge." THE BIGGER PICTURE Chelsea's players are potentially at risk of burning out after a long season that was topped off by a lengthy Club World Cup campaign in the United States. Getting the necessary amount of rest ahead of next season will be vital if they want to compete on multiple fronts next term, including in the Champions League. WHAT NEXT? While other Premier League teams are already back in pre-season, Chelsea will have to play catch-up. After these upcoming warm-up fixtures, Enzo Maresca's side begin their league campaign at home to London neighbours and FA Cup holders Crystal Palace on August 17.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
Eating Around Malta
Colourful Boats in Harbour of Marsaxlokk, Malta at springtime. This small island in the Mediterranean is one of the closest to North Africa and has been a hotbed of conflict, colonization and military maneuvers during the war. The Maltese national language is closer to Arabic than any other language. Residents say that the language of Malta is completely copacetic with Lebanese Arabic and is it said the pronunciation of basic numbers is exactly the same as Arabic. The back street of Valletta. This island is a UNESCO heritage site and Gladiator II was reportedly filmed in Valletta, given its resemblance to ancient Rome. While the island is full of great food offerings, it is a bit disappointing that many of the shops and bigger restaurants have moved out of the historic center, as more modern areas such as Sliema have become a bigger draw. The Wines and Wineries Glass of red wine with brie cheese with view of harbor with boats and historic city center of Birgu ... More in Malta. Malta has been producing wines for centuries. The winemakers use a number of international varietals but also have their own indigenous grapes—such as Girgentina and Ġellewża—which are challenging to pronounce. The heat of the island works against local wine producers, as well as the fact that Maltese—like the Swiss and Austrians—also enjoy their own wines so much few of them make it out of the country. The bottom line is that unfortunately not much Maltese wine is available in the States. I had a chance to visit a few great wineries. One was Markus Divinus, whose owner is making completely unique wines with a mix of local and international varietals. I particularly liked the white Zafrana, which is primarily based on the the indigenous Girgentina grape with international varieties, on the nose it has stone fruit and mineral notes. Only 1,434 bottles were made of the 2023 vintage, which clearly demonstrates why these wines are hard to find outside the country. The winery's tasting room is darling with lights hung outside and black and white pictures of owner Mark Borg's family producing wine. Unfortunately, the bulk of these wines, when sold directly, from the winery are coming in at more than $50 a bottle retail which is a price point that few Americans would be willing to experiment with an unknown wine. It's the same issue that Georgian, Armenian and Serbian wines are facing. Only a small set of locals can afford to buy the wines and the math doesn't work on exporting them profitably. However, I totally enjoyed tasting the local wines and seeing them paired on menus. Another winery I enjoyed visiting was Meridiana, which is owned by noted Italian winemaker Piero Antinori, who has been an aggressive player in the international wine industry. He also owns a winery called Metaforsis, that I have visited in the Dealu Mare region of Romania, and he instinctively seems to quietly understand how to expand his empire. At Meridiana the Nexxus Merlot was good with intense cherry and berry flavors. The Restaurants Malta is home to a pretty impressive number of Michelin-starred restaurants. So, the destination is playing in the big leagues for a 122 square-mile island. I had the privilege of going to two of them. Ion Harbour, a two-star Michelin, is run by British chef Simon Rogan. The views of the harbor are stunning. Its location on the harbor is peerless: you can stare at endless ocean for hours. While its food merits the two stars, the restaurant could probably use a little support in managing reservations and guest arrival, which were bumpy. Highlights from the meal included a rosemary-infused pumpkin from Hokkaido Japan with sticky yolk and cheese sauce. I also loved the playful beef fat and koji waffle made with with sheep's yogurt and orange jam. Another great Michelin dining experience was had at LeGV. It is in the trendy heart of Malta's Sliema district, so the views aren't classic but the food is great. The space sits atop a modern building with stunning views of the surrounding area. The staff is flawless and local wines, like Marcus Divinus' are offered in abundance. Quail, white asparagus and veal: sign me up. I just wish the portions had been smaller and I had had space for cheese (and that I didn't need to wake up at 2am to catch my flight). Valletta is a charming preserved city much like Ortiga in Siracusa. It's beautiful and historic but is somewhat limited in terms of its food and shopping options. This is a fantastic local place. Leglegin, nestled on a back street, was one of the best meals I had in the area. It is run by an enthusiastic, second generation restaurateur. Check: great local wines, small bite and an amazing typical rabbit dish. A great new fact that I learned was that Maltese rabbits are plumper than American ones, as they are farm raised. The Hotel If there is one hotel that says it all about history, and war, in Malta it is the endlessly gracious The Phoenicia. It sits within the City's ancient fortifications, just outside Valletta proper, and even has an infinity pool that juts out over the City. The pool at the Phoenicia. It was once, of course, where Queen Elisabetta once stayed. She and Prince Philip even lived in Malta for a few years as a newly married couple. The Phoenicia's gardens are divine and the restaurant has a gracious perch. Specialties include a lobster salad and crispy corn on the cobb. It features a number of local wines on the list, such as sparkling Marsovin wines.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Where is Karen Pirie series 2 filmed? ITV crime drama locations revealed
ITV drama Karen Pirie has returned for a second series, delving into another fascinating cold case in the heart of Scotland. The new season finds Lauren Lyle's titular detective investigating the kidnapping of a billionaire heiress and her infant son four decades earlier, with Karen searching for answers across Scotland and beyond. This means that there are a number of locations that were used for filming in series 2. For those who are curious to know where the ITV drama was filmed, here is everything you need to know. Where is Karen Pirie series 2 filmed? As is expected, much of Karen Pirie series 2 is filmed in Scotland though locations in Malta were also used for scenes in later episodes. The narrative jumps between the 1980s and present day, and in the former we see oil tycoon heiress Catriona (Julia Brown) and her child meet with family friend Bonnie (Kat Ronney) for fish and chips. Catriona and her son are kidnapped after parting ways with Bonnie, never to be seen again. Maintaining the location of Val McDermid's original novel, A Darker Domain, the series filmed the kidnapping scene in the coastal town of Kinghorn, Fife. Locations such as the train station and coastal viewers are seen during the scenes. Luss Estate in Loch Lochmond is another location used for the series, it is where Catriona is kept after being kidnapped and is featured in both the 1980s and present day timeline in the show. The location has been used for filming before, and has featured in shows like Black Mirror. Glasgow also features predominantly in the series, with music venue Barrowland Ballroom used as a location for a night out that Catriona and Bonnie enjoy before she is kidnapped. It is a historic venue in the city, and cemented its place in music history when it was used for the music video of Simple Minds' single Waterfront. Another filming location in Glasgow is The Citizen bar and restaurant, which is depicted during a date night between Karen and boyfriend Phil (Zach Wyatt) when they need to blow off some steam from their arduous case. Outside of Scotland, the series also films in Malta's capital, Valletta, where Karen goes in order to investigate a new suspect in the case. The location does not match McDermid's original novel, which sees Karen travel to Tuscany, Italy, for the final piece of the puzzle — but it is still a magnificent location. Lyle and Karen Pirie creator Emer Kenny spoke to Yahoo UK about the beauty of Scotland and why it made it the perfect location for a series like the ITV crime drama. "I find that Scotland, I really believe, being from there, that it just can't be replicated anywhere else," Lyle shared. "I've shot in New Zealand, various places that could be similar. "There's something quite profound about being from a place that has such a dark, mad history — witches and wars and all these amazing things that have been around for thousands of years — and to shoot something in places that harbour all of that can be quite dark and spooky and exciting. And I think you sort of effortlessly receive it from the place without trying too hard." Kenny added: "I'm not Scottish, but my family are Welsh and Irish and I think there's a similar sense of humour that I think is really special and I try and give it to the show as much as possible, but there's a kind of darkness to the humour and a wise-cracking, deadpan tone that I think we try and get into Karen and I think it adds something that's quite unique to those kinds of places." Karen Pirie continues Sundays at 9pm on ITV1.
