The role of urban heritage in Malta’s tourism issues and initiatives

Abstract

Changes in the way the tourism industry operates have brought about major changes in tourism destinations worldwide, including Malta. This book chapter considers the role of urban heritage in the development of Malta's tourism. Its underlying theme is Malta's potential transition from 'blue' to 'grey' tourism. The chapter lists several factors that constrain heritage tourism development. In the last two decades there were significant public sector investments in urban heritage and cultural infrastructure. Urban heritage projects are listed under four headings namely fortifications, historic buildings, archaeological sites and public open spaces. The chapter argues that the role of urban heritage in tourism has changed and that different policy approaches should be considered, including one based on heritage tourism dispersal.