Business in Marsascala

Marsascala is considered by many, including the authorities, as one of the main entertainment areas in Malta. The Malta Tourism Authority considers Marsascala on the same rank as Paceville and St Julians or, at least, that is the case when it comes to contributions. It seems there is widespread consensus about the potential that this "Sicilian Port" (Marsa s-skali) has.

Shop owners and businessmen in Marsascala fully understand the great potential of the locality. There are about 120 businesses in Marsascala - restaurants, bars, hotels, ironmongeries and pastry shops.

Its potential was highlighted in a study on the entertainment industry there conducted by Erremme Business Advisers in 2003. It was clear that many enjoy and appreciate the locality but that Marsascala was facing its own problems.

The most urgent were over parking, lack of cleanliness, the environment and lack of road discipline. Accusing fingers are usually pointed at the government, local councils and the business community.

The reality is that each and every one of these organisations, as well as the shop owners, have their own responsibilities. If these truly wish to exploit the potential of Marsascala, they need to work hand in hand. In fact, one of the recommendations made in the study was:

"The various issues identified do not fall within the responsibility of one individual sector. Perhaps the current situation in Marsascala is due to 'the pointing of fingers' attitude taken so far. Greater collaboration is definitely needed in order to address all the issues identified in the above surveys.

"To this end, it is recommended that a committee be set up with representatives of all interested parties being involved in order to design a sustainable strategic plan followed by a detailed and structured plan of the action to be taken. It is in the interest of all Maltese that places like Marsascala are in a position to provide the appropriate entertainment at an appropriate level both for the Maltese as well as for the tourism industry.

"Before such a committee is set up, perhaps the local businesses should establish the long desired association in order to define their priorities and contribute in an effective manner within such a committee. Moreover, such an association could, besides seeking measures, be a self-regulatory body."

Marsascala shop owners seem to have welcomed such proposal and, in fact, towards the end of 2003 an association was formed.

Its aim is to improve Marsascala in the common interest of its members as well as that of Marsascala residents and visitors.

The association has been highly active and has organised various meetings with local and national authorities as well as with the constituted bodies. In fact, the association is currently working closely with various organisations.

It seems the parties concerned have so far been very receptive and that Marsascala will be regaining its due position on the Maltese map, although one has still to see whether it will regain it on the tourist bus route map!

Marsascala and its environs offer a historical and cultural heritage. Places of interest include the catacombs, the dolmen, the various chapels, St Thomas Tower, It-Torri ta' Mamo and its adjacent chapel and Id-Dar tal-Baruni. In fact, Marsascala offers these as well other attractive sites to both tourists and the Maltese. But Marsascala is not promoted as other tourist localities. Indeed, Marsascala is not promoted at all.

The locality also needs an injection of new investment and more police presence.

In short, Marsascala is in need of a facelift and a drive to look after the environment. This would help in the efforts to attract new investment and tourists to the area. We are currently seeing the embellishment of Paceville. When is Marsascala's embellishment project starting?

As regards the parking problem, the local council has issued a tender for the development of a parking area. In the meantime, perhaps some temporary solution might be found as has been done in other areas, such as in Paceville.

It is fair to say that certain issues are already being tackled by the government as well as by the local council. For example, works are being done on main arteries. Also, it seems there are plans to improve public transport in the locality.

One appreciates the efforts being made but the improvement process needs to be stepped up so that Marsascala does not fall behind other areas.

erremme@global.net.mt