A seminar on the impact of tourism on the Maltese Islands’ culture is being held on Wednesday at the University of Malta.

Tourism in small islands is promoted as a source of income and employment for the host community. However, tourism has various additional positive and negative impacts, including those on an island’s indigenous culture, which can usher in major social and political changes in the host country.

The seminar will be chaired by Lino Briguglio, director, Islands and Small States Institute, and will feature panel presentations by: Karsten Xuereb, researcher, Superintendence of Cultural Heritage Malta; George Cassar, associate professor, Heritage and Cultural Tourism, University of Malta; Marie Avellino, director, Institute for Travel, Tourism and Culture, University of Malta; and Leslie Vella, deputy chief executive officer, Malta Tourism Authority.

The public is invited to attend. However, the seminar should be of particular interest to stakeholders in the tourism industry, associated professionals and students. Participants are invited to drinks after the seminar.

The seminar will be held on Wednesday at the Video Conference Suite (IT Services), University of Malta, Msida Campus, from 6 to 8pm. Attendance is free of charge but those wishing to attend are to inform Romina Carabott on islands@um.edu.mt or by calling 2340 2117/2134 4879 by not later than today.