In my last article, I wrote about the lack of civic and prudent behaviour among our communities today. It is almost as if this situation is institutionalised, it is coming from the top and is intended to divide rather than unite communities and people living on these islands. Then we wonder how these islands have been voted the angriest nation in Europe? A number (not all, thank goodness) of members of society tend to spread three key poisons – envy, jeolousy and hatred. I am told by some Maltese friends that these are translated as hdura, ghira u mibgheda. Until we distil goodness, courtesy and prudence again into our communities there can never be a return or introduction of real hospitality, service and care for others – the basis of true tourism. Today I will give one very simple and clear example for introducing this hospitality, service and care into our communities as a vaccine (a topical name I think for today) and we can spread this throughout the islands.

What we need is to get people and communities speaking to each other again, communicating without the help of a smartphone or the internet and interact and get to know each other. We have to get people out of these bubbles that have made them insular, isolated and self-centred. I am proposing that we introduce Community Days in our towns and villages where the emphasis will not be on filming all events over Facebook live or Instagram or whatever social media we use today but in getting people to meet and enjoy village fetes, fairs, theatre, cinema, a tipple or two in the local bar or tearoom and play good old fashioned board games like chess, draughts and cards. Community Days”should be a monthly event in each of the 68 or 69 councils across the islands. Actually the use of mobiles to film the event or communicate via social media could be stopped by a fine of €10 to a known and approved philantropic organisation.

Community days will let neighbours get to know neighbours (it may even break the ice if there is any bad feeling or threat). It may take people away from the dreaded smart phone and social media for a time, allow face-to-face communication, banter and joviality instead of the nasty grimaces one gets if one tries to even smile and wish a good morning to others. I believe the introduction of Community Days need not cost thousands but it can leave priceless results in a social, economic and cultural way among local communities and even attract visitors – domestic and foreign. It is all about extending the community-based tours – Meet the locals, which I have introduced in six localities in Malta over the past nine years and I believe it will ease the venom and hatred that has taken a grip on communities here over the past 10 years.

Recommendations and Summary

1.      Let us take the action of developing, organising, managing the Community Days together with our local councils. We should take ownership of this project and not leave this to politicians and governments

2.      We should identify areas where we can regenerate local tourism for the quality visitor

3.      Recognise our duty as communities to enhance our culture, hospitality and service

4.      Those NGOs and persons (including local councils) interested in working with me on this project should email me on [email protected] or call me on 9916 7805.

5.      Let us get going – let us really build better and reverse the horrendous state of this island

I sometimes wonder, am I writing for the converted? Are there any other persons who agree or disagree with me? I frequently meet people who read these articles, but these articles are not just there to be read on a lazy Sunday afternoon, they are there to sow the seeds of change from apathy to commitment – to make tourism an activity we can be proud of. Let me know what you think and how you feel about tourism.

Dr Julian Zarb is a researcher, local tourism planning consultant and an Academic at the University of Malta. He has also been appointed as an expert for the High Streets Task Force in the UK. His main area of research is community-based tourism and local tourism planning using the integrated approach