Unregulated planning and a failure to protect the character of the South risks killing the potential for authentic tourism in the region, according to a tourism expert.
George Cassar, a lecturer in sustainable tourism, said that, while development seemed like a positive prospect, it also inflicted collateral damage.
“In order to maintain flow of touristic demand, we have to ensure that we are supplying what the tourist wants: an authentic and unique touristic experience that spreads a good word for Malta,” he said. “Sustainable tourism should be planned to ensure the continuity of the natural and cultural sites it uses and continuity of support from host communities while maintaining a continuity of tourist demand.”
Dr Cassar was speaking during a forum entitled ‘New vision for the South’, organised by Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, bringing together experts from various fields to review the development of the south of the island. The environmental NGO said that with “developers eyeing the almost-virgin south-eastern coast”, the present moment represented a unique opportunity to get things right and avoid the mistakes of the past.
Sustainable tourism ensures the continuum of the natural and cultural sites it uses
Malta Developers’ Association chairman Sandro Chetcuti said it was important for the MDA to stop the unchecked abuse of the past because too many places of beauty and villages cores had already been destroyed.
“The MDA wants to see the South as a marriage of sustainability and investment; while some places have to remain natural, others can be regenerated through investment,” he said. Mr Chetcuti added that short-term thinking had resulted in a planning disaster, pointing out that sustainability could not be achieved while entrepreneurs were the only ones involved.
“It can only succeed if everyone sits around a table, ready to learn from the mistakes of the past, factoring both the entrepreneurs’ profitability as well as sustainability into the equation.”
Paul Pace, a member of the Church Environment Commission, said that, over the years, most major projects of national importance had been dumped on the South without any pretence of public consultation.
“The communities of the South are entitled to a new model of development that is innovative and puts people before profit, ensures a good quality of life, is socially and environmentally sensitive and respects the cultural heritage of the region,” he said.
“It is not acceptable to undertake certain projects simply because the funds are available for them.”