The government is urging local councils to unite and submit a common bid as the prospect of Malta hosting the European Capital of Culture in 2018 draws closer.

The bidding process, which starts today and closes on October 17, was started a year earlier to allow for the necessary preparation to take place.

Speaking at the launch, Culture Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco said this was a “unique opportunity” for Malta to take stock of its cultural infrastructure, its strengths and weaknesses and “how to fill the lacunae we have”, adding the country had seven years for the necessary investment to happen.

Referring to success stories such as Liverpool in 2008, whose ECoC status had regenerated the city and made it more desirable, Dr de Marco said it would be a wasted opportunity if the preparations did not look beyond 2018.

While the title of capital goes to a city, this often represents the surrounding region. For instance, Marseille, European Capital of Culture in 2013, is also representing the Provence region.

David Pisani, chairman of the inter-ministerial commission for the ECoC in Malta, said previously, governments chose what city would be the capital. However, recently, the process had become a competitive one, which ensured the highest levels of quality.

Historically, Mr Pisani said, capitals of culture had seen an average increase of 12 per cent in tourism and more intercultural dialogue and social cohesion.

The requirements for the projects and activities held during the year of being a capital are not restrictive. For instance, Istanbul, this year’s capital, had a U2 concert as one of its main events, while Liverpool had a giant mechanical spider running around the city, which at one point drew 300,000 people to it.

While these were considered to be flagship projects, there would also be other fringe events taking place within communities, with as many as 500 activities taking place as part of the ECoC year.