On investments

Lately I had two very interesting meetings, which though dissimilar in nature, I feel are tied together: One regarded Malta's historic and cultural heritage and the other concerned tourism. They are tied together not because as is widely held, our cultural heritage is just there to promote tourism. I for one never agreed that these two areas should fall under one ministry, but rather have separate ministerial overseeing.

These two areas are necessarily tied together for while our cultural heritage does have an impact on tourism, the reverse is also true, and equally important. During the first meeting I had the opportunity of discussing this with Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna which according to its Chairman Mario Farrugia, is entrusted with the care of no less than thirty historical sites. We met at Bieb is-Sultan, itself now transformed from a dilapidated ruin to an impressive monument, and housing the offices of the Foundation itself. Later on I had a meeting with SKAL, an international association of tourism professionals. Both shared two main goals: that of securing more investment in their sector and the importance of establishing a clear vision for the future.

Tourism forms a main bulwark in our economy. Thousands of jobs depend on this sector, both those directly related, and jobs indirectly related and heavily dependent on tourism. But are we really giving this sector the importance it deserves, especially when all around us stiff competition is increasing? There is no co-ordinated plan to ensure that touristic zones, at least during the peak months, are free from the noise and dust pollution generated by Malta's never ending construction sites. Preferably our tiny country should not be divided into touristic and non-touristic zones, for at the end of the day Malta should be considered as a single product.

When it comes to our national historical heritage, the Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna applied its resources and invested in the harbour area, which was hitherto definitely a touristic no-go area, having realised at the outset the tremendous potential it offers. Our touristic heritage is very extensive and admittedly difficult to maintain but it definitely deserves priority. For our country is moving in the opposite direction to that taken by others in Europe, most noticeably France and Germany who have increase their spending on culture and museums. We did the opposite, and whatever measures are being hurriedly taken now are temporary and only aimed at vote catching prior to the June elections. Our nation should establish a list of sites that require immediate restoration, and a list of others that can be addressed in due course.

Our national heritage distinguishes us from other nations even within the European Union, for culture is at the forefront of diversity. In giving priority to our national heritage we are giving priority to ourselves and to our national identity as Maltese, while at the same time providing thousand of jobs in the process.

Not all tourists visit Malta because it provides a good value-for -money package. Many come to seek and experience what is unfamiliar and unavailable back home. Investment in tourism thus serves to preserve a nation as well as advertising it abroad.

I am dismayed at the fame and importance that Stonehenge has for example, worldwide, when one considers that our tiny island boasts of temples that predate this monument by millenia, and several of them to boot, yet are widely unknown abroad. One hear of this or that scenic harbour in other countries while our Grand Harbour has unequaled splendour, and the tourist entering aboard a cruise-liner must feel like he's entering postcard beauty.