A 17th century coastal tower at Wied Iż-Żurrieq will be restored by a new foundation set up by the Malta International Airport to improve the island’s tourism product.

The foundation’s first project will be the restoration and conservation of the watchtower, also known as Torri Xutu, through an investment of €130,000.

“This 17th century coastal tower is located in a prime touristic destination in the southwest of Malta, forming part of the airport’s neighbourhood, an area within close proximity to the Neolithic temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra and also the Blue Grotto.

“We are sure the work will be deeply appreciated by tourists and locals alike, once it is open for all to enjoy,” said foundation chairman Fredrick Mifsud Bonnici.

This project, which will be managed by environmental NGO Din L-Art Ħelwa, should last two years and the tower will be reopened to the public in 2017.

Launched last week, the foundation is part of MIA’s strategic decision to use its corporate responsibility funds to contribute more directly to the tourism industry by investing in Malta’s heritage and environment.

MIA chief executive Markus Klaushofer said: “We want to invest in cultural, touristic and environmental projects that would help enhance the face of Malta. We want to improve the tourism product while giving back to the local community in a way that ties in with our values more clearly.”

MIA will also be the first in Malta to follow one of the world’s most prevalent and comprehensive reporting frameworks, the Global Reporting Initiative, when it comes to sustainability reporting.

This will ensure that any economical, social and environmental impacts are measured, reported and audited on a yearly basis, and that the company’s performance is improved in a sustainable manner every subsequent year.

For more information about the foundation and the airport, visit the official website www.maltairport.com or the Facebook page www.facebook.com/maltairport.