In 2024, Paceville and St Julian’s achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first destination in Malta, Southern Europe, and the Mediterranean to earn the prestigious Purple Flag status. This global recognition, awarded by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), is a mark of excellence that only around 100 cities and towns worldwide have attained. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that this vibrant area, known for its bustling nightlife and entertainment, now stands as a beacon for safe, welcoming, and high-quality experiences for all its residents, visitors, and—crucially—international students.

As the leading association for quality language schools in Malta, FELTOM is deeply invested in this achievement, recognising it as a step towards reshaping the narrative around international student life in Malta. The Purple Flag status is a powerful symbol of the area's commitment to maintaining and enhancing its social, cultural, and economic vitality while ensuring that students, tourists, and locals alike can enjoy a safe and responsible environment.

A Global Standard for Quality and Safety

The Purple Flag is not just a symbol—it’s a global standard that certifies an area for its management of key factors such as safety, cleanliness, accessibility, and vibrancy. Last year’s recognition of Paceville and St Julian’s was a monumental step, not only for the region but for Malta as a whole, as it now joins an elite list of destinations that meet international benchmarks for urban management.

FELTOM, representing Malta’s premier English language schools, sees this achievement as an essential milestone that enhances the overall student experience in Malta. The Purple Flag areas are regularly assessed to ensure that they meet the highest standards of safety and quality, with a focus on improving the environment for everyone who spends time there—whether students, tourists, or local residents.

For international education stakeholders, this recognition underscores the fact that Malta is a destination that takes student well-being seriously. It ensures that students can enjoy their time in the area with confidence, knowing that the destination prioritises safety, community integration, and responsible behaviour. The safe and regulated environment also creates an ideal setting for students to focus on their language studies without distraction, thus enhancing the overall educational experience.

FELTOM’s Role in Supporting Quality Education

FELTOM, as a dedicated advocate for quality in international education, is proud to support this initiative. Several of our esteemed member schools, including Berlitz ELA, EC Malta, and ESE, operate within the Purple Flag zone, while others like ClubClass and Sprachcaffe are on the periphery. This geographical alignment with the Purple Flag area signifies that FELTOM schools are part of a broader effort to ensure that international students are learning and living in an environment that meets the highest international standards.

The Purple Flag status complements FELTOM’s ongoing commitment to providing a safe, responsible, and enriching educational experience for all students. By supporting the by-laws and initiatives that promote the safe and respectful integration of language school students into the local community, FELTOM is ensuring that its members remain leaders in providing world-class language education.

Quality Education in Malta

Through initiatives like the new by-laws introduced by the Town Centre Management Committee (TCM), Malta is setting itself apart as a destination that prioritises not just education, but the well-being and safety of all its visitors.

By working collaboratively with local stakeholders, FELTOM is playing a pivotal role in promoting these standards within its network of schools. We believe that the success of Paceville and St Julian’s in achieving Purple Flag status will inspire other areas in Malta to follow suit, creating a ripple effect that broadens the scope of safe and high-quality experiences for students and tourists across the entire island.

Conclusion

The achievement of Purple Flag status for Paceville and St Julian’s is a testament to the hard work, collaboration, and dedication of local authorities, businesses, and the international education sector in Malta. For FELTOM, this accomplishment aligns with our ongoing commitment to providing students with an enriching, safe, and world-class experience. As Malta continues to develop into a leader in quality education and student well-being, we are proud to be at the forefront of this transformation—ensuring that our students enjoy a first-rate education in a safe and welcoming environment.

By embracing this new global standard, FELTOM and its members are helping shift perceptions, setting Malta apart as a destination that offers more than just a place to learn—it's a place where students thrive.