What should rural tourism look like in Malta and Gozo? How can tourism create opportunities for farmers, rural businesses and local communities without putting further pressure on landscapes, traditions and everyday life? And what do residents and visitors actually want from rural tourism?

These are some of the questions being explored through the National Guide for Rural Tourism Stakeholders, an initiative led by SEED Projects with the support of the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA). The Guide aims to provide practical recommendations for a more regenerative, culturally respectful and economically beneficial approach to rural tourism across the Maltese Islands.

Over the past months, the project team has been speaking with a wide range of people connected to rural tourism, including farmers, artisans, tourism operators, researchers, policy makers and other stakeholders. These conversations are helping build a picture of what is already happening on the ground today: what is working, what is missing, what are the risks, what creates opportunities, and what concerns people.

The next stage is to hear from a much wider public. Residents, tourists, and people connected to rural tourism are invited to have their say.

There are three surveys, designed for different perspectives:

●      Residents - share your views on rural tourism in your area, its impacts on everyday life, and what you would like to see protected, improved or developed.

●      Tourists - tell us how you experience rural Malta and Gozo, what attracts you to rural areas, and what might encourage you to explore them more.

●      Rural Tourism Operators - share your experience, challenges and ideas, whether you already offer rural tourism activities or are considering becoming involved.

Each survey takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. Responses may be submitted anonymously and will be used to inform the development of the Guide.

The responses will help ground the Guide's recommendations in the experiences, needs and expectations of people who live in, work in or visit Malta's rural areas. A dedicated page on the SEED Projects website provides more information about the initiative and access to the surveys.

Your contribution matters whether you are deeply involved in rural tourism or have never thought of yourself as part of the sector. A resident's perspective on their village, a visitor's impressions of rural Malta, or a farmer's, artisan's or operator's insights into developing an activity can each reveal something that research from a distance cannot.

Visit https://www.seedprojects.eu/rural-tourism and take part in the survey that best represents your perspective.