Over the past years, we have heard of countless resolutions, statements, and action plans to stem the awful and devastating effect from unsustainable and irresponsible travel on climate change and the quality of life of people living in vulnerable communities, such as small islands and those underdeveloped nations who still rely on nature and traditional methods for their existence.

In this year dedicated to tourism and biodiversity, the Malta Tourism Society calls on the Maltese and European governments to recognize the need to prioritze a policy and strategy that will promote real and practical sustainable tourism by:

1. Educating young and old about the importance of inculcating/promoting the spirit of civic responsibility and citizenship.

2. Ensuring that commercial decisions taken by the tourism industry stakeholders are not the myopic strategies and policies that consider short-term gain but reflect the longer sustainability of that industry through better tailor-made experiences, which vary from country to country and destination to destination. Policy making is not about “one size fits all” but about adapting to one’s characteristic environment and culture.

3. Considering the implications of carrying capacities not from a present standpoint but perhaps from a broader and more realistic baseline perspective.

4. Finally, the Malta Tourism Society recommends the compilation of a European Tourism Guide and Code of Ethics for responsible and sustainable tourism.

Noel Falzon/Madeleine Caruana PR Coordinator MTS Email: ncfalzon@onvol.net

The number of tourists visited Malta for holiday purposes totaled 43,998 in February, smaller than the 48,375 in the previous month. The number of people visited for business purposes dropped to 6,334 from 6,780 in the preceding month.

The first time visitors were the majority of the inbound tourists, which was 62% of the total tourists, the statistical office said.

Image via leone.org.mt

Strikes and industrial action have been a rare occasion over the past few years and certainly a public transport strike could have had a negative impact, in the long run, on the tourism industry. Malta and Gozo depend heavily on tourism for their economic growth and investment.

The work of coordinating the arrivals and transfer of tourists to the islands was carried out by the Parliamentary Secretariat for Tourism as well as the Malta Tourism Authority, both of which fall within the office and responsibilities of the prime minister. This work was appreciated both by the tourists, by the tourism associations as well as by the general public and the press have since been full of letters of thanks for this effort.

Prime Minister Gonzi also lauded the manner in which employees from the authority and the ministry exerted all their efforts to make sure that the tourist was given a warm welcome and suffered minimal or no hardship during the strike action. Dr. Gonzi stated, "This must be the only country in the world where tourists get the chance of meeting the prime minister in the capital city during their walkabout visit!"

He also said that everyone needs to have a sense of pride in themselves and in their country, that same sense of civic pride that creates a hospitable and service oriented.

Certainly these are the characteristics that make the islands unique and different to any other Mediterranean destination. The focus of the Malta Tourism Authority has been to enhance the mainstream tourism markets during the summer months, for sun and sea, but to extend the markets into the shoulder months with a variety of segments such as: ecological, historical and film tourism.

The support services, such as public transport and taxis are a vital part of the tourism product, and the MTA has sought to address this issue over the past decade by offering awards of recognition for sterling work by a number of those working directly and indirectly in the tourism industry.

The MTA also launched the STAR award scheme to recognize those persons who had been nominated by tourists for their sterling service and attitude, the persons who were nominated and rewarded included public transport workers.

The issue of public transport is one that is a priority action for the newly elected government led by Dr. Gonzi, since it involves an important aspect of traffic management, a subject very important on an island such as Malta and Gozo.

Last week, while speaking at a press conference at the end of the industrial action by public transport employees, Prime Minister Gonzi said that government will open discussions to liberalize this sector and make it more sustainable.

This announcement has brought some positive reactions from the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) and other stakeholders in the island's primary economic activity. Dr. Gonzi's Nationalist Party had been re-elected after 20 years in office mainly because of its strong track record for boosting the island's economy with its numerous policies such as negotiating full membership for the islands within the European Union (the islands joined the Union in 2004) and creating economic stability that led to the island's adoption of the euro earlier this year.

The Nationalist Party was also responsible for creating a more decentralized administration and restoring the democratic process to an island that had been threatened by the autocratic policies of Dom Mintoff in the seventies and early eighties.

During the 1960s, tourism was given an important role to play in supporting the vital transition of the islands from a military base to an independent state within the Commonwealth. The Nationalist-led government introduced a series of initiatives and grants to encourage investment in the tourism sector and this paid off. From a mere 40,000 visitors to the islands in 1963, the number of tourists grew to almost 400,000 by 1971. Today, this figure has trebled and the sector generates over 25 percent of the Gross Domestic Product, one of the highest percentage rates within the EU.

Prime Minister Gonzi has placed tourism and the environment at the top of his political agenda after ensuring that the islands made a smooth transition to the EURO by creating a stable economy. In fact, some political analysts in Malta have stated that the Gonzi government is the only administration that has succeeded in being reconfirmed for another term in office after the euro adoption in any EU member state.

Perhaps this was due, in the main, to the strong policies of the Nationalist Party manifesto that are based on creating a better and more productive workforce whose core competency is continuous professional development.

Making the islands more competitive in the tourism sector is seen as being dependant on the ability to create specialized niche markets and to attract visitors because of the islands' unique characteristics rather than for its basic qualities as a sun and sea destination.

Prime Minster Gonzi has promised to make the islands a destination of excellence in the years to come. The potential is there; it is only with the collective contribution by all stakeholders including the 400,000 local residents, that this will be possible.

The slogan chosen by the Nationalist Party for the election campaign was "Iva, Flimkien Kollox Possibbli." (Yes, Together everything is possible). On an island that is divided by political beliefs, the election results have shown that the Maltese are a determined people who take up a challenge and do succeed.

Next year promises to be even more fruitful with the change to euro and with Easyjet and Vueling airlines adding their names to the list of operators who are seeing a potential for the individual traveler or family who prefer to compile their own itinerary. For the past forty years the islands have come to depend, rather heavily, at times, on tour operators. But, this mode of travel and marketing lacked the economies of scale that larger destinations such as Spain and Tunisia could support.

All signs point to 2008 as the year that tourism in Malta and Gozo may go round full circle. The government has already started to adopt a new policy for tourism. Over the past three years, the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) has worked on a re-branding exercise that looks at around seven niche markets that embrace some of the attractions of the islands, such as culture, history and conferences. During the summer of 2007, the MTA, along with government support, hosted a number of concerts in and around the baroque walled town of Valletta. They included the music video Isle of Music and several pop concerts.

Also, improving hotel standards has been going on for a number of years. With the apparent change in market trends, a need has been felt to update a number of the hotel services and features. In 2008, two five star hotels are to open their doors for the first time to reveal a number of state-of-the-art features. One of the hotels is located in a suburb of Valletta with fantastic views of the historical bastions built in the 16th century to defend the islands from the Ottoman invasion, while the other hotel is in the residential town of Sliema, developed in the mid 20th century.

Further, a number of other projects include the Tigne and Gzira commercial and residential centers; the Smart city on the south with substantial investment from Dubai; the twenty projects proposed by the government and the ongoing infrastructure works all focused on adding value to the Malta product.

The tourism statistics for Malta and Gozo over the past years have remained somewhat static; the peak came some ten or twelve years ago when the islands received over one million visitors in any one year. This figure has not changed over the past few years, except for a slight drop in 2006.

The Maltese government has been working up to this moment. Two years ago, the National Euro Changeover Committee (NECC) took on the role of the organization that would prepare for this change. Perhaps the greatest fear that had to be alleviated was the perception that the euro may increase the cost of living, but those involved in the tourism industry could see a number of benefits in joining the second largest currency in the world. When one considers that the major source of the tourism market to the islands originates from Europe, the fact that there will no longer be transaction costs, and that visitors should feel comfortable with a currency they are used to should improve the industry.

The international situation that was brought about by the increases in market prices for cereals and oil could not have come at a worse time for Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, with a general election looming next year. But, Prime Minister Gonzi has the situation under control with various programs in place such as price monitoring and a special help line for citizens worried about the euro changeover which has received a large number of calls from every town and village the NECC has opened information offices to help those who still feel this new currency may be too daunting.

The fact remains, however, that an island state like Malta and Gozo will only find true economic and social stability once it joins the euro zone. Shops and small businesses that make up a large part of the commercial sector have already joined the FAIR scheme, an initiative that was initiated by the Ministry for Finance to ensure that consumers are well informed about the price of goods and services that are marked in both the old Maltese Lira and the euro using an exchange rate that was agreed with the Central Bank of Malta. A number of shops have also agreed and committed to keeping prices unchanged during the initial stages of the euro implementation.

Dealing with tourism operators throughout Europe will no longer incur longwinded calculations to allow for exchange rate fluctuations and transaction costs. This certainly will be a good motivator for both the customer and the agent. The advent of low-cost carriers to the island nation earlier this year has meant that finally the islands can offer a more individual package to visitors and this should improve the cash flow and the general state of the economy given the multiplier effect this industry commands here.

Whatever the case , for now the celebrations planned for December 31 will launch the islands into an interesting year and one that should surely improve the attraction of Malta and Gozo, at least in economic terms.

VALETTA, Malta (eTN) – Maltese Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi recently praised Malta's achievements in developing greener policies, namely the ecolabeling award certifications for hotels, the certification of the island's first blue flag beach, and the announcement of the Malta's first national heritage and nature park.

The eco-labeling certification was an initiative taken by the Malta Tourism Authority together with the Malta Standards Authority (MSA). The criteria used was built on the eco label mark developed for the European Union Commission and was also sanctioned by the MSA which is the body responsible for certifications and accreditations such as the ISO and other internationally recognized brands. Labeling certification in Malta and Gozo is an important stage in creating a brand of accommodation and tourism services that are easily understood by all customers. The eco label mark means peace of mind for both the hotelier as well as the client.

Malta joins another 3200 beaches worldwide that have been granted a blue flag status by the Foundation for Environmental Education since 1987. St. George's Bay in the centre of the island was completed in 2005; the bay had been neglected for a number of years and it was the heavy investment that was put into the area by four major hotel companies which prompted the Government to embellish the bay and establish blue flag standards. The bay has now become Malta's first blue flag nomination and it is hoped that many of the other small beaches to the North of the island could also be granted this certification.

It was an area that caused great controversy when it was earmarked as a new golf course development; situated to the North of the island, overlooking Ghajn Tuffieha beach and adjacent to the island's newest five star hotel, The Golden Sands Radisson Hotel. The government listened to the various non-governmental organizations and local residents and decided to turn the area into a national park and heritage area. The land known as "Xaghra il-Hamra" ("The Red Wilderness Land") is noted for its scenic, natural and historical attractions.

But the current Maltese government, which has now reigned for 20 years and will be facing general election, can most be proud of its success in the EU analysis to assess the island's compatibility within the eurozone. This achievement means the changeover from the Maltese "Lira" to the euro will go ahead as planned from January 2008. Strategies are already in place to make this as smooth a changeover as possible and the National Euro Changeover Committee is monitoring the situation through educational and regulatory reform. The introduction of the euro has been widely accepted by many including those involved in the tourism industry on the islands.

Over the past week, the Maltese government inaugurated a number of projects. Among these projects are the Cottonera Waterfront and the Smart City. These two projects, situated in the South Harbour area of the island, can be added to the list of embellishment projects including Public Gardens, promenades, beaches and arterial roads that were completed throughout the last few years.  that have been added to those which were completed in the past twenty years and which have improved the quality of life and economy of the islands.

The Cottonera Waterfront Project consists of a number of luxury apartments, casino, shops and restaurants as well as a yacht marina; all situated around the old fortress of St. Angelo, which is one of the oldest settlements along the Grand Harbour. The waterfront project was designed as a regeneration scheme to develop new opportunities in employment and commercial activity in an area that was, previously, the docklands of Malta.

Ironically, it was the Cottonera Project which brought down a labor government after just 22 months in office in 1998, today this project is creating a new attraction for visitors. The three walled towns (known as the Three Cities) of Cospicua, Vittoriosa and Senglea were synonymous with the Great Siege of Malta; before 1939, after 1945, the growth of the Drydocks as a major economic activity meant that the three cities lost some of their attractiveness. Through certain initiatives by the local councils; the history and characteristics of these heritage towns are now being promoted and have already proved to be a successful place to visit on most tourist itineraries. With the growth of cruise line business, these attractions should continue to grow in popularity.

Just a kilometer away from the Cottonera Project, another initiative that is being undertaken by the Government together with Tekom investments of Dubai, consists of a new Smart City on land that includes an old, derelict industrial zone dating back to the eighties. This project should attract IT companies and give employment opportunities to some 5000 persons besides providing a top quality environment including hotels and a commercial center. The plans for the Smart City have already been drawn up by the firm, Colin Buchanan.

With a general election just a few months away and local council elections this week in Malta and Gozo, the Maltese government is on track with its infrastructural and economic reforms that should see the islands enter the euro zone from January next year.

As far as employment is concerned, with an unemployment figure of just 4.8 percent (as of November 2006), a look through the main newspapers over the first two months will reveal an extensive selection of jobs and opportunities, particularly in the tourism field. Over the past fortnight, Ryanair was also looking for airline staff from Malta and the first indications did show that the interest was good. The low-cost airline company had commenced flights to the islands during the final quarter of 2006 and extended its destinations from last month.

The Carnival celebrations got under way this weekend. These celebrations date back to the 16th Century when the significance was a kind of "letting down of one's hair" before the stringent observance of lent by the Roman Catholic Church.  The name derives from the Latin: Carnem Levare, an indication of the abstinence from meat consumption during the forty days before Easter.
Over the years, the Carnem Levare Carnival has become an opportunity for young and old to dress up and parade up and down the streets of the Baroque walled city of Valletta and admire the grotesque floats and masquerades painted in bright colours and prepared with such enthusiasm and passion.  These days, costumes are usually taken from the latest blockbuster movies or television characters.

The Malta Carnival is part of the European Cities Carnival, but the very character of the Maltese and Gozitans makes it different from the others. To understand the satire and wit behind the floats and masquerades is to appreciate the social history of the Maltese and there have been various comments made through the media from politicians and organizers of the carnival celebrations to include political satire among the many themes for the floats next year.  After all, politics is a very popular sport in Malta and Gozo where some of the highest voter turnouts have been recorded over the past decade.  Perhaps the law banning political satire during carnival, that dates back to 1936 could be rescinded.

And finally, with the local council elections one month away and the general elections one year ahead, the heat will be definitely on in the political arena, but the issues will be to keep partisan ideologies out of local council decisions, to create a sense of civic pride and identity and, more importantly, for the voters to decide just who those councilors are who really believe that their localities can offer opportunities for tourism and social well being.  that track record is already evidenced through the work carried out over the past years by central government including the 800 million euros that will be allotted to Malta and used, mainly for tourism related projects and education.

The attempt to revive the city's social and cultural aspect has been promoted by two organizations who share the same objectives although they may have different reasons. N&G promotions and Valletta Alive Foundation are a clear example of how the business community and the voluntary bodies can work together to enhance the quality of the product and service for consumers.

Valletta used to be a thriving metropolis up to 50 years ago, that was a time when private transport was still limited to certain sectors of society and when the commercial hub was centered within the town's main thoroughfare so that shopping was virtually limited to this same venue.

With the increase in car ownership and the decentralization of shopping precincts out of the capital, Valletta was turned into a hub for government offices and day time shopping – leaving the streets deserted after closing time. Yet Valletta has a number of distinctive characteristics, not least among them, are the Palazzos and houses built by the Knights of St. John, founded in Jerusalem during the Crusades.

Throughout the centuries, however, the city has been embellished by different colonists who sought to add to the charm of this place – a number of gardens built on the old ramparts to the city; monuments commemorating different battles and governors and small piazzas where the outdoor social life can really come into its own. It is these nostalgic moments that the organizers are trying to revive through these activities this coming month.

The development of a cruise line terminal along the waterside overlooking the Grand Harbor, Europe's largest natural harbor, and the rehabilitation of the 17th Century warehouses into restaurants, bars and shops have had a positive effect on the number of cruise visitors to the island this year.

Traditionally, Valletta has always been the first port of call for any visitors to the islands and, in fact, the city was described by a Royal Commission at the beginning of the 20th Century as: "The cleanest city in the Mediterranean."  Improving the product and service should certainly see an improvement in value for money and visitor experience for Valletta.

With a blend of historical enactments, dining and live entertainment including classical culture and modern music, those who visit the city on the night of December 31 and January 6 should certainly appreciate that social fabric of Valletta, that had impressed countless men of letters over the centuries and that had provided the ideal gateway to the rest of the islands. The challenge now is to make these opportunities happen more often and revive the heart of the town during the nocturnal hours.