Architecture and tourism

Abstract

A glance at many resorts throughout the Mediterranean very clearly illustrates the devastating effects which tourism can have on the local environment. Malta is no exception and has not been spared the destructive consequences of tourism. Tourism has often been responsible for destroying the very features that attracted tourists in the first place and the impact of indiscriminate tourism development is more serious in sensitive environments such as coastal areas, old towns and villages, and areas of outstanding natural beauty. Although it is far too late to correct several serious Past mistakes, it is important that future development be more sensitive to environmental issues rather than short-term economic gains. The positive as well as negative impacts of tourism projects is discussed with reference to a number of projects, and measures to improve the quality of tourism development has been suggested.