David Schembri
Is Malta the new Ibiza?
Images such as this might soon be history if things keep going this way, stakeholders in the clubbing industry fear. Photo: Liam Farrugia.
The Maltese clubbing industry believes the country could well become the next Ibiza but with laws such as the 4 a.m. closing time such a possibility was rather bleak.
When contacted, people involved in the entertainment industry said laws should change if Malta was really vying to replace Ibiza, which, at the moment, is the place to go for clubbing.
The Independent of London ran an article headed Out Of The Way Grandma, Malta Is For Clubbers.
Forget Ibiza, Sarah Barrell wrote, Malta, traditional favourite of package holidaymakers, was now a magnet for Europe's young and restless. The writer sang the praises of Malta's thriving dance scene last summer, saying the island represented "superb value", with huge open-air clubs and big-name acts such as Tiësto and Deadmau5 highlighting Malta's ascension into the upper echelons of dance music destinations.
The article mentions the "12,000 local clubbers" that hit the dance floors at weekends in "the aptly-named Paceville" - establishing a new interpretation of the hamlet's name where, instead of the surname Pace or the Italian translation of "peace", "pace" refers to the fast tempo music ubiquitous in dance music.
But is Malta really on its way to become the new Ibiza?
According to DJ Ruby, "the clubbing and dance scene is at the lowest point it ever was". He said that, up until last summer, Malta was well on its way to become one of the world's top clubbing destinations. "The authorities are closing the door in our faces. Clubs have to close at 4 a.m. but the police are already coming in to tell us to lower the volume at 1 a.m. At this stage, I'm dreading summer," the popular DJ said.
"If things keep going this way, we're not going to become the next Ibiza. We're going to become the next Antarctica. They've got us on our knees" he lamented.
Event organiser Carl Farrugia, representing the international Ministry of Sound brand in Malta, said things were bleak.
"Last year, we even advertised our parties in The Times of London. This year, I don't think that will be the case. People don't want to go out early; they don't want the party to end at 2 a.m. We asked online. A lot of people said they would rather stay in than go to a party which was over early," he said.
"Things are working against us. All the pressure on the time events must end by, sound levels and the amount of policemen present for parties: Do we really need 30 officers for an event with 1,000 people," Mr Farrugia wondered.
Paceville was also struggling to keep up the pace, with Mr Farrugia saying that people he knew had to close down or convert their bars into gentlemen's clubs.
Eman Pulis, a promoter and organiser, called on the government to heed the call of the club industry and fix times.
"I think that, with some fine tuning, Malta can compete strongly with places like Ibiza in this niche market," the organiser said, adding, however, that the laws on closing times were in the way.
"I believe our product is different from Ibiza but the other facilities we have, such as the fact that our clubs have free entrance as opposed to Ibiza, our climate, our hotels, I believe we can fight Ibiza."
There were also many clubbers who wanted a change from Ibiza. Malta could be that change, he added.
When asked whether clubbers could possibly be a nuisance, Mr Pulis shot down the suggestion: "Most clubbers are in their 20s and their 30s. It is usually teenagers who are a nuisance on the streets."
Popular Stories
Update 3: Woman found dead in car,...
Updated: Woman dies in car crash
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Part of Dwejra 'Azure window' collapses
The end of the bar that ‘never closed’
Bundy does not know whether to...
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
This WAS the night - Kurt makes it...
Petrol price up 6c
In Discussion
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
Gozo tunnel could take 5-7 years to...
CABS remote controlled aircraft shot...
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Joseph Calleja condemns portrayal of...
Updated: Labour would give...
CABS drone shot down
Second group of migrants arrives
Adrian Vassallo in scathing...
31 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
Anthony DAndrea
Feb 4th 2010, 23:29
Clubbing in Ibiza accounts for only 10% of the mass tourism on that island (200k amid 2.000 tourists annually), so let's not blame clubbing per se, but rather *low quality*, cheap, *mass* tourism, with its social and environmental problems and wealth concentration.
The "Next Ibiza" thing has been going on since the late 1990s, when its club industry became highly commercialized, and the mostly Brit teen pub-goers, party animals, started to explore other cheap resorts around the Mediterranean (and even Andorra).
The book "Global Nomads" examines these issues in Ibiza and Goa/Pune (India), written by me (London: Routledge 2007), very easily found online. It focuses on expatriates who move to these places and lie behind the leisure and wellness sectors and even elite circuits globally.
In sum, the problem is *mass* tourism, not clubbing necessarily. It is up to the Maltese civil society to decide (against vested interests of politicians and business cartels) what is best for the island.
Daniela Attard
Feb 3rd 2010, 20:23
hehe well if things keep on going like this the prudes that posted below will be proved right, cos paceville will be nothing but gentlemen's clubs.... bye bye catholic malta hello red light district! But seeing as they have no clue what's going on they keep commenting blindly. L-aqwa li jghidu xi haga!
adrian caruana
Feb 3rd 2010, 11:00
A lot is being said here but I really lost hope that the Goverment and autorithies get in touch with reality and realise that if they do not let the clubs open after 4am Paceville will end up 1 big gentelman s club because at the moment things are fast heading that way.
Not only Malta will not become the new Ibiza but a lot of Maltese clubbers are left with no option except to go to Ibiza, Barcelona, London etc.. for some real clubbing.
John Roy Davies
Feb 2nd 2010, 10:47
I have noticed lately that Paceville has already lost its popularity. Lowering the sound at 1am and closing up at 4am is driving the maltese people, tourists and students away. Most of these people commenting here have no idea what's happeneing in Paceville, police are petroling Paceville all the time. Security is already high, at least everything is under control.
What will happen however if more people decide not to go to Paceville. What will happen to the squares, public gardens and bars all round Malta? Won't people decide to go there and hang out there? Then you people will be complaining cause young people are drinking and vommiting all around malta. As Daniela and Justin said there are many other solutions clubbers can do if Paceville is not attractable anymore? So its a give and take thing, give the clubbers a bit more space and time in Paceville and you will have them in a police controlled environment.
Daniela Attard
Feb 2nd 2010, 09:05
There is no need for it the be 'the next Ibiza' however there is no need to throw people out of clubs either. Clubs should get proper soundproofing, and a licence for those who want to remain open should be available.
Whats happening right now is that people pack themselves in flats for private parties, the lack of proper taxis (which again effects tourism too) means that people drive home drunk often dazen after clubs closing down abruptly, and gentlemans clubs have become the new hangout.
All this carry on is ridiculous I really do not see the fuss, having more tourists would yes be good for the economy, good for the hotels, good for everyone, nobody is being forced to go to clubs here and our heritage sites and all the other things will still be in Malta for the tourists who want to see them!!!
The close minded comments i see here make me wonder why I ever came back in the first place!!!!
A. Farrugia
Feb 2nd 2010, 08:35
What Malta needs is to diversify its tourism product and attract different kinds of tourists, rather than focus entirely on one type or another. The LATTER would be suicide - as we'd be putting all our eggs in one basket, and we're bound to slip or fall some time or another - then what?
The critical questions is whether we're able to control this segment in such a way that it a) still delivers a competitive package against the likes of purely clubbing destinations like Ibiza, and b) control it in such a way that it doesn't disrupt other tourists and/or local residents. The key success factors are namely the ability to achieve a balance between the ideal conditions for clubbers and the rights of other tourists and/or residents, as well as having a very thorough understand of the difference between clubbers and downright revellers. For those that can't tell the difference themselves, please refrain from passing generic comments, as you're clearly out of your league on the subject.
Finally, @ LEE MICALLEF - I've been to Benidorm in 2008, I don't see what's wrong with the place. It's a great tourist destination and I will be going again surely!
Justin Meli
Feb 2nd 2010, 08:19
i wonder , i just wonder , why those people commenting here wanted to join the eu , why they wanted a change , why they wanted to improve their quality of life .
paceville is a dump thats granted , it became a dump because it is the only place where youngsters can go . its a cage.
i dont go to paceville , i dont like any music that is being played there. apart from the ridiculous time closing laws at 4am , sound lowering at 1am , where i am supposed to go ? if i go to paceville before 1 am i could meet my children if i had any .
And we see the isle of mtv year after year with the same crappy commercial sellouts.
clubbers know their way out , illegal private parties ..we dont really need an ibiza like malta to have fun, but hey i think those promoters are trying to help malta and not thinking of themselves.
Joseph W. Galea
Feb 2nd 2010, 07:21
@ Christian Camilleri,
Maybe the businessmen who earn their living from the clubs/bars should go and open up in Ibiza?
I don't think that Malta wants to attract all the garbage clubbers from all over Europe who only have enough to spend to get a cheap ticket, sleep at the beach and eat at fast food outlets, in order to spend the rest of their money on cheap wine and beer, then vomit all over the place.
What kind of trashy Island would you like Malta to become?
Being open till 4am is not only more than enough but also an imposition on the neighbours who may want to go to their jobs the next day. In fact they should close at 1 am Sunday to Thursday, and 3 am on Friday and Saturday.
S. Mallia
Feb 2nd 2010, 05:05
Simple solution that will make Malta healthier economically and socially.
1. Enforce the drinking age: 16 to enter, 18 to Drink. (just the same as in USA except that its 18 to enter, 21 to drink).
ID cards checked prior to entry of Bar/Club Venue.
Having this law working in this manner will make parents happier and everyone else who says Paceville is a hellhole full of smelly vomiting everywhere, plus, less silly immature behavior.
2. Bars/Clubs should be inspected and checked by the Authorities that they have the proper licences to operate and sell the right amounts of liquor, because at the moment this is not the case. Have a look around you! So many places such as bars and restaurants have closed and became clubs, overnight! Permits are not issued overnight!
3. Change the 4AM licence to 7AM, like in France.
This will bring in more young tourists, BUT.... knowing that they will be coming to a highly liquor enforced (if) country will keep out those minors at bay.
Again, have a look at what France did.
What is the reason that WE have to think otherwise?
Sarah Gillespie
Feb 2nd 2010, 00:40
Well said Paul Smith. I'm a regular visitor to Malta and I always look forward to it. If Malta becomes an Ibiza like destination, I'll stop visiting.
The quick money making development culture development mentality doesn't have any future. Believe me, I'm from Ireland!
chris azzopardi
Feb 1st 2010, 23:42
Mr.Pulis is right In my opinion the authorities should be pressing more on the teenagers that acuppy most of the sidewalks of the sidestreets that surround the bar/club area. If teenagers want to drink they can drink in one of the many bars wich all hold the legal drinking age, instead of binge drinking from 'convenient stores' who have no security personal holding the responsibilty to ask for Id's. If organisation is kept on the street then Paceville might not look so bad too the people that disagree with it.
Paul Smith
Feb 1st 2010, 20:33
Maria Vella says: Malta is one of the shabbiest places I have ever visited. This is due to the socio-ecomomic level of those that visit us. Afraid not Maria It's due to the Maltese taking zero pride in there country, due to MEPA allowing any developer with fat wads of money to build ugly buildings everywhere, you dont attract first class tourists because you are a third rate destination, nothing to do with our social economics.
Christopher Fenech
Feb 1st 2010, 19:48
Typical of most armchair critics commenting on these forums, seems like the vast majority here forget that most probably they themselves are the ones that complain about the state of our finances, deficits, and the dreaded "Gholi tal-hajja" We live in a country with barely any natural resources whatsoever, that's unless we start selling salt-water ! It is high time that, within strict regulation, we open our minds and diversify our business !
Christian Camilleri
Feb 1st 2010, 18:44
For All Those Of You!!Who Posted Comments Against Paceville, The Nightlife etc (Mela Insejtuh Zmienkom!?!?) .. You Only Think About Yourselves That's It !! And What About The Businessmen Who Earn Their Living From Their Clubs/Bars?? Do You Mean They Have To Close Down?? Like This Things Will Only Worsen With Less Jobs Etc.
Theresa BartoloParnis
Feb 1st 2010, 17:34
While Malta doesn't HAVE to be "another Ibiza" there is nothing with it having a thriving clubbing area, and there is no reason on earth why music should be stopped early. It is a form of tourism and the government should be helping and not hindering clubs which cater for people who want to party in a contained space. Those who prefer other aspects of our island need only stay away from paceville.
Michael Muscat
Feb 1st 2010, 17:05
this country has absolutely no future at all... reading some of the comments here simply show that we are..... and always will be stuck in the stone age! In a couple of years the rest of Europe will be laughing.....
Chris Pisani
Feb 1st 2010, 16:12
I agree with Mr. Pulis that Malta should compete better in this market. Paceville takes nothing away from the beauty of our historic places, our culture, our seashores. We need better regulations to attract this niche market of people aged 20s and 30s. It is the young teenagers that pollute our country, not people in their 20-30s.
Julie Peace
Feb 1st 2010, 15:01
Malta the new Ibiza? God Forbid! On my first visit to Malta in 1998, I stayed in Paceville and thought what a dump. I then discovered St Julians and Spinola just down the road and have been coming back every year (& more) ever since). Paceville serves a purpose for the clubbers on the island to have a good time, but it is not what Malta is about.
MC Borg
Feb 1st 2010, 14:24
Being one of the mentioned 12,000 who regularly visit paceville every weekend, I certainly believe that Paceville has what it takes to be one of the best entertainment spots in Europe or at least in the Mediterranean. Recently, I came across a website which is promoting and advertising Paceville as a destination within Malta. The site is www.visitpaceville.com . With such projects and initiatives, it shows that people are really investing in promoting Malta as a clubbing destination especially with tourists. The usage of the word 'visit' also shows that it is targeting tourists to visit Malta and eventually Paceville.
Melchior Vassallo
Feb 1st 2010, 13:37
The governemnt, police and the ministers need to work closely together and put themselves in other people's shoes. They try their best to go according to law, however with all their respect some need to learn more.
The governent has its new laws on sound and has its laws on smoking. If one doesn't bother anyone, why cannot the sound keep on going untill the owner of the venue decides to stop.
Let's take somoking, When one is having a few drinks and smoking one tends to make noise, especially in a habitant area this will cause inconvenicence to neighbours. Can't the owner of the bar decide to do its bar smoking or non smoking, The bar owner will be obliged to do a sign at the entrance weathers its a smoking bar or not. Then the customer will do its own choice.
If the MTA wants to do it's job it needs to see such things urgently. At this rate in three years the PN can see itself on the opposite side.
Jesmond Micallef
Feb 1st 2010, 13:35
No, Malta is not the new Ibiza !! There are other islands which come to mind here, such as Mallorca.
Maybe not the subject matter here but relevant in principle. I would recommend the Maltese to visit Mallorca and see for themselves, how the islands touristic areas are split between who speaks what, who reads what, who drinks what etc etc......
Malta is not a FUN ISLAND. Makes me wonder what would happen if such "clubbing phenomena" actually takes over. One needs only to use his or her imagination. What is the situation at the moment, in Paceville, or during the summer months, Bugiba ?
Malta should not be promoted at all as a CLUBBING DESTINATION.
Phil Humphries
Feb 1st 2010, 13:34
"I think that, with some fine tuning, Malta can compete strongly with places like Ibiza in this niche market,"
- Fine tuning? - Do club promoters really believe what they say?
In order for Malta get anywhere near Ibiza's club scene the nation would need to adopt a liberal approach to recreational drugs, a blind eye policy with regard to nudity and ( in no particular order) sex, injecting, vomitting, littering, urinating, defecating, fighting and sleeping in the streets and on the beaches, more sex, lewd and hazardous booze cruises, armies of moronic promotional staff each vying to be more outrageous and irritating than the next, and, above all else, it would require the creation of a large litter-strewn district where no self-respecting five star hotel guest would even think to venture.
Come to think of it, I take it all back , we are already half way there.
M Mealclaff
Feb 1st 2010, 13:07
It will never happen because of Malta Harsh Drug laws.
Ibiza and Spain have a very Lax attitude to Soft Drug use..
Many people go to Ibiza to get out of their heads on Drugs which they cannot do in Malta..
g. scerri
Feb 1st 2010, 13:04
Why should we ruin the island by making it a clubbing centre for the sake of a relatively few greedy pockets?
Lee Micallef
Feb 1st 2010, 13:00
Does Malta really need to be the "Next Ibiza"?? Hopefully not !!!!
Once an idylic place where one could feel safe and enjoy the island for being a jewel in the Med ,it is fast becoming a tacky commercialised dump.
You only have to look at other countries to see what damage all this commercialisation brings (eg) Benidorm/Magaluf to name a few , these also were once beutiful places.
And what about people who want to come to malta with children or the elderly ,who incidently some have been coming for years.!
RIP Malta, if things are let to get out of control
James A. Tyrrell
Feb 1st 2010, 12:59
"If things keep going this way, we're not going to become the next Ibiza. We're going to become the next Antarctica. They've got us on our knees" he lamented.
I've never read so much cr*p in my entire life. Does Malta want to be the next Ibiza? Somehow I don't think so. It's about time these people realised that the other 390,000 people in Malta have rights as well!
Mr B J Simmons
Feb 1st 2010, 12:24
Ask yourself this.
Does Ibiza have many older visitors. I think you'll find the answer is no.
Then ask yourself if you want to lose the older visitors and families that come to Malta all year round.
Ask yourself if you want the scenes that one sees in Ibiza transferred to Malta and isn't Paceville retched enough at night? It looks pretty retched in the daytime even now.
Do you want the drunken hoards of Europe decending for a few years and then going elsewhere whilst Malta tourism tries to re-attract all the the visitors it lost when the boozy bobbing generation spoiled its reputation?
Malta is a gem for tourists of the best kind. these boozy youngsters can get their kicks anywhere, so to attract them here would be suicidal for tourism.
Maria Vella
Feb 1st 2010, 12:02
What is so nice and exciting about becoming the New Ibiza? If it earns you money then fine. But I would rather be called Grandma Malta then a place associated with drunkards, rapes and the rest of the stuff so called clubbing brings about. Isn't it enough that during the long summer months we are bombarded by the lowest type of visitors possible. Those who like to expose their beer belly, tatoos, walk in bikinis in shopping areas and alll the rest. What do we want our country to become the dumping site of tourism? Malta is one of the shabbiest places I have ever visited. This is due to the socio-ecomomic level of those that visit us. Becoming the new Ibiza means having more of this rubbish so that those in the clubbing business can make an easy buck.
Paul Caruana
Feb 1st 2010, 11:56
The real question should be: is it in our national interest to become an "ibiza like" tourist destination? Will this solve, in the long run, our tourism problems, or will it exacerbate them?
Charles Muscat
Feb 1st 2010, 11:04
What a far cry. I watch Ibiza on TV from time to time women and men almost naked. I want to see this happening in not so catholic Malta.
Albert Farrugia
Feb 1st 2010, 10:49
Oh no no no. I dont want my country to be Europe´s toilet. While Spain can spare a small island, part of its territory, to turn it into fun park, we only have this tiny island we call home. Just look at how central Paceville has become. Any foreigner who stumbles there would think he is in the middle of a sleazy red light district. And we want to confirm this image of Malta Europe-wide? No thank you.