The beginnings of heritage tourism

The article The Lure Of Culture And History by Emanuel N. Falzon (October 29) is quite interesting and factual but just for the record, events were organised even before the past 10 years he mentioned.

Former Minister for Tourism Michael A. Refalo felt that Malta’s rich heritage and history, most valuable facets of our tourism, were sadly neglected and he started doing something about it by staging festivals and historical re-enactments to offer our visitors more value for money and a unique experience.

The first festival was staged in 1993 at Mdina and then transferred to Vittoriosa and then back again in 1998 to Citta Notabile as then chairman of the National Tourism Organisation Joseph Galea Debono described Mdina. These events were a huge success and they were purposely held during the off-peak months to attract more visitors to our island home.

The first mayor of the Mosta local council, Nazzareno Vassallo, also took the initiative to organise a festival at Fort Mosta in 1998 and it drew hundreds of people, especially with the participation of a Victorian British Army re-enactment group. After this event everyone thought that Fort Mosta would be accessible all year round but unfortunately it’s still out of bounds to this day. Such a historical fort should be kept open to the public and converted into a tourist attraction. Together with the rehabilitation of the Cold War nuclear shelter, Ta’ Bistra catacombs and the footpath along Wied il-Għasel, Mosta would be a far more attractive destination for locals and tourists alike. It’s been indicated that there are plans and funds to carry out such projects but how many years do we have to wait to see them implemented?

Those who are involved in the tourist industry should follow the TV station Rai International, Yes Italia channel 161 (Melita), at any time of the day and appreciate how they sell their product.