Delta will inaugurate the first nonstop flight from New York JFK to Malta next summer. The timing of the announcement coincides with the opening of the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) office at Malta’s Permanent Mission to the U.N. in New York.

“Now that MTA will have a real ‘VisitMalta’ space, we will be able to expand our support for our travel industry partners,” said Michelle Buttigieg, the MTA representative for North America.

“We will also be able to welcome potential travelers … and provide them with specific information tailored to their interests as well as host Maltese themed events,” she said.

Malta and its sister islands, Gozo and Comino, are home to three Unesco World Heritage Sites; some of the world’s oldest freestanding stone architecture; a mix of domestic, religious and military structures from ancient, medieval and early modern periods; and seven Michelin-starred restaurants.