It is good strategy in tourism to encourage initiatives that create new projects which reinforce the basis from which the sector operates.

Such initiatives, should build on the existing growth to channel more effectively prospective investments. As of now, investment projects in tourism have been linked to the building of luxury apartments for the “foreign” market. This was intended, we were told, to underwrite the construction of hotels and other tourist venues so as to make them viable.

But if tourism is an activity that fits very well with the profile of these islands, the new projects that are okayed should be those which really sustain this profile on a stand alone basis. There is no better time than now for this to be done, since tourism is on a roll.

Otherwise we would be flooding the island with projects that start in a big way but then when the economic situation worsens, would convert Malta into a sink for homes and apartments to be bought and sold on the cheap.

In my view priority should be given only to projects that promote boutique hotels, golf, yachting, religious and health tourism.

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The public and the private

There has been excessive enthusiasm in Europe (in Malta as well) for the establishment of projects carried out in partnership between the government and the private sector, in areas which traditionally would be considered as belonging to the public sector. This happened in the production of electricity and water, in transport, and closer to our times in health care and education.

I will not comment about whether I find this trend commendable or otherwise, though I do have some views in its regard. However it is important to understand that the “solution” offered by a “private public partnership” as it is called, does not offer any magic solution.

It could clear (at least in theory) the problem of how to mobilise capital funds required to finance future development. But what is hardly clear, is how it responds to the aspirations for social justice that in many circumstances, only the public sector can satisfy.

We have not had any serious political discussion on such matters up to now.

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Post the opening

The spectacular opening during the weekend of Valletta 2018 deserves heartfelt appreciation; as do all those who were involved in making it a reality. I did not hear any serious critical comments (except about arrangements for public transport), even by those who from the shadows, strove to undermine the whole project.

Too many thousands flocked to Valletta, highlighting the success that was achieved.                    

What needs to be done now is to intelligently work out of this success towards a process by which the upcoming initiatives launched during this year continue to attract a greater public interest. The popular touch must remain while at the same time sustaining an artistic future-oriented commitment. Space needs to be left open where young people and new ideas can make a splash.

A Festa for Everyman does not have to mean that what is contemporary must be sidelined because it could appear as bizarre or lacking popular appeal. Above all, a clear space has to be maintained for Maltese talent in all spheres of cultural activity.