Tourism has become a commercial activity that is counted in terms of economic gain rather than the socio-cultural activity of host and visitor.

It is now time we took a good, hard look at the mistakes and mismanagement with which we have been handling tourism over the past decade.

Authorities and government must take responsibility for the changes that have taken place on this once idyllic "Jewel of the Mediterranean."

The problem starts with the way contractors are permanently in bed with hoteliers and vice versa. What we need is a policy that will ensure a separation and autonomy of all stakeholders, yet a system whereby these can work together in the national interest rather than in their own personal interest.

First of all, we must all admit that these islands are not "more beautiful today than they were ten years ago"; how can it be when we have an overdeveloped island made up of the most hideous architectural edifices, the tackiest infrastructure, and no maintenance plan for infrastructural degradation such as roads and sidewalks, trees, and urban spaces. Road building is designed without any thought for the community and the real needs to reduce private transport and improve public transport services.

That is why this year we must think about a new year, a new tourism strategy, and more than anything, a serious Local Agenda 21, no more favouritism for developers and money-grabbing business persons.

Today, we must start a new chapter for tourism and development in the national interest, and with great care for civic pride and awareness. We do tend to take the position of "couch-potatoes" although we praise those who go out there and stick their necks out for the sake of the national interest.

We all have a responsibility to take care of these islands; grumbling between us, writing letters to newspapers, commenting on social media may have a slight effect but it will not stop the rot that is going on around us.

What we need is to act on the six stages of "Responsible Tourism and Civic Pride", these are:

1) Put your community and your family first in taking serious steps to stop the continued destruction of the urban and rural spaces.

2) Do not be taken in by words but seek real action.

3) You are part of the problem of unsustainability if you are not responsible for the solution.

4) Take off the blindfold of a political agenda; this will only mesmerize you into being hoodwinked and not seeing the larger picture.

5) Be part of action-driven change and not simply a passive follower.

6) Finally, look to a future with a new policy, fresh outlook and a new style of governance.

By following these six stages, we can ensure that these islands are managed professionally, sustainably, and with the idea of developing a quality activity that attracts the visitor who wants to be here.

Travel and tourism to these islands today is about quantitative gains for the greedy and uncouth. We need to put professionalism and hospitality back in the equation.

Dr Julian Zarb is a researcher, local tourism planning consultant and an Academic in Malta and the UK. He has also been appointed Chair of the Institute for Hospitality Mediterranean. His main area of research is community-based tourism and local tourism planning using the integrated approach.