MINISTER OF TOURISM LAUNCHES MDINA FESTIVAL

When addressing a Press Conference to launch the forthcoming Mdina Festival, Minister for Tourism Michael Refalo stressed that Malta's future in tourism lay mainly in making certain that the strong points of the tourism offer were further enhanced and the weaknesses corrected.

To survive and gain from the globalisation process small destinations like Malta and Gozo must highlight their distinct and diverse tourism offer. The strategy of differentiation is the key to success.

"With the few and small sandy beaches that we have, promoting the Maltese Islands as yet another sun and sea destination will not get us very far. Other destinations have a much superior offer in that regard. Although we should not neglect that side of the industry, the EIA on the St. George's Bay sandy beach extension has just been completed, our main strengths lie in our cultural offer."

The Minister then outlined the march of Malta's cultural heritage from its origins to modern days adding that "What we have is unique. We should be proud of it, look after it, present it well and where possible bring it back to life".

"We want our visitors to enjoy every minute of their stay. There is no joy in wandering about Vittoriosa, clean and neat though it is, simply to walk past empty, centuries old, houses and palaces, architectural gems if only they were properly restored and put to good use as residences, boutique hotels, souvenir shops and restaurants.

"The same applies to some areas of Valletta where properties are empty, boarded up and in a state of decay. Not to mention the terrible tangle of obsolete telephone and power lines which degrades all views of our capital."

Minister Refalo said that the Three Cities crave for tourists. Valletta's museums, churches, historic buildings, and attractions draw visitors and Maltese mostly by day. "I augur that the new Centre for Creativity will help to give life to the city in the evenings as it has given new life to St. James Cavalier."

Referring to Mdina, the Minister said that he was conscious that an over presence of tourists both during day-time and in the evening could put undue pressure on the city's social fabric and environment. He added that one should be very careful to retain and not lose the support of the local population.

"Unfortunately my recent remarks about restoring old, dilapidated buildings and converting them to better use, even for tourism purposes, were interpreted as promoting some sort of Paceville and Bugibba recipe for Mdina.

I have no wish to cross swords with friends such as John Manduca and the Mdina Cultural Association, with Martin Galea of "Din l-Art Helwa" and my law course colleague Dr. J. R. Pace, who have recently publicly highlighted their worries. I can assure them that I am on their side of the fence, appreciate and share their concerns. If Mdina loses its character and atmosphere it will not be Mdina any longer.

Tourism must not ruin that which our visitors come to Malta and Gozo to see and enjoy."

The Minister added that whenever NTOM/MTA organised festivals in Mdina the event had signalled some restoration or conservation project. "Government cannot embark on restoration and heritage conservation projects costing millions unless the country continues to earn much needed foreign exchange from tourism."

The Minister concluded by thanking Md ina's Mayor, Council and residents for their understanding.