Britain's Prince William's recent visit to Malta has spiked a huge interest in the area.
Online search traffic for the island has jumped up by 71 per cent after the 32-year-old royal took a trip there last weekend to celebrate the country's 50th Independence Day, according to hotel comparison website, Trivago.
Hotel searches also increased by 60 per cent to the tourist resort of Mellieha and 41 per cent in Bugibba in comparison to the weekend before the royal visit.
The Duke of Cambridge stepped in for his pregnant wife Duchess Catherine, who was meant to be carrying out the solo engagement, after she was forced to pull out last minute due to severe morning sickness.
Denise Bartlett, a spokesperson for Trivago told the Daily Mail newspaper: "Although William joked that the crowds were hoping for his wife instead, these figures show that his visit clearly had an impact among UK travellers. Malta is an exciting and varied destination of historic towns, beautiful beaches and a Mediterranean climate. It's great to see the island receive the recognition it deserves."
During the trip, William paid a visit to San Anton Palace and joked that his 14-month-old son Prince George, who stayed at Kensington Palace in London with Catherine, would have destroyed the lavish furniture.
He said: "Malta may not survive baby George. There are a lot of precious things here."
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