Historic Cities Festival in Mdina

I refer to the letter by Paul Sant Cassia entitled The Invasion Of Mdina (October 10) wherein the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) was accused among other things of acting in an arrogant manner towards the residents of Mdina.

As the organiser of the Malta Historic Cities Festival, the Ministry for Tourism and Culture was in constant contact with the Mdina local council in order to ensure, months beforehand, that all Mdina residents were informed of the festival activities to be held there. A case in point was restricting the time span when Bastion Square and Cathedral Square were to be kept clear of vehicles to the few hours when the animation was taking place. This was done in an attempt to reduce the inconvenience for the Mdina residents

The Ministry coordinated with the council to make certain that there was enough parking space just outside Mdina for the exclusive use of the Mdina residents on the day when the grand re-enactment was to take place.

At Bastion Square one car stayed parked for the first three days of the four days of the festival. This was in spite of all the Ministry's requests to the council and to the police, as well as a notice issued in the Government Gazzette, to avoid having cars in the square.

Positive response from the public was a reflection of how much the historical re-enactments were appreciated. Even Mdina residents could be seen enjoying the events held in their city. Following such a response the Ministry intends to proceed with organising such re-enactments which are considered to be of great entertainment and educational value, and which also serve to attract more tourists to our country.