Gustavo Egusquiza is a travel writer and author of the book España Exclusiva. He was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the most influential experts in the luxury tourism industry
HOW DID YOU BREAK INTO TRAVEL WRITING?
I have been working in the world of travel journalism for several years, but my interest in the world of the luxury tourism came from my father. I was lucky enough to be able to travel and get to know great hotels and restaurants around the world from a very young age and that made me develop a very critical sense of the world of tourism and gastronomy. The very successful Spanish journalist Marta Robles was the first person who offered me a great opportunity in Spain; to work on a section in her lifestyle magazine. From there, I started writing about destinations in different national and international media.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT TRAVEL AND LUXURY TAVEL IN PARTICULAR?
My work involves constant travel. This job is vocational and you have to like it. It is a privilege to be able to travel, go through unique experiences and then be able to write about them in my articles and books. Having said this, the level of scrutiny and demand is very high and you have to be constantly reinventing yourself in this job. This is why I like to search for new experiences and discover new places, which are interesting for my readers.
WHAT´S YOUR TAKE ON TOURISM IN MALTA?
I have a very positive perception on Malta. Its biggest asset is its people as well as its favourable climate and rich heritage. Maltese tourism is an industry built on its best assets. It is an industry that has its very own unique selling points, and where the quality of the experience provided is entirely within control. Basics such as high standards of cleanliness and upkeep of public spaces, convenient transport and communication facilities, good food, and pleasant and attentive customer service, are all within your reach.
FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE ON OUR ISLAND, WHAT ARE SOME THINGS IN MALTA THAT WOULD INTEREST LUXURY TRAVELLERS?
In my opinion, the Maltese heritage is a unique one. Moreover you have fantastic cuisine and very interesting countryside. Places like Gozo or Mdina are charming and the luxury traveller is always in constant search of new experiences.
WHAT DO YOU THINK COULD BE DONE TO IMPROVE MALTA´S OFFERING, TO ATTRACT HIGH QUALITY TOURISTS?
As for me, the only drawback in tourism is connectivity. Once a tourist gets here, the roads are hectic and traffic is insane. This is something that needs to be improved, but I have been reassured that the Maltese Government is working very hard on making this happen.