‘Every heart has its beat, the Mediterranean has Malta.’ This dynamic slogan represents the creative work of a young group of students from St Margaret College who together with various schools, were given the opportunity to experience hands on what it feels like to be responsible for Malta’s tourism industry. This innovative activity was held by the Tourism and Sustainable Development Unit within the Parliamentary Secretariat for Tourism as part of the activities dedicated to Youth around Europe.

Over a 100 students from different colleges were hosted at the Phoenicia Hotel over a three day activity with the theme; ‘Young Voices, Young Ideas: Tourism meets Creativity.’ When asked to act out the role of a manager, the students felt more responsible, acted as a team with each player allotted a particular role and practised time management.

As a team they were asked to come up with a logo, slogan and website concept to promote Malta. This activity helped to expose the creative elements in these young people as well as increase their knowledge about Malta’s resources that are used for tourism purposes. It also allowed them to think about what makes Malta special when compared to other destinations and the different activities tourists can engage in whilst on holiday.

Through a video simulation, students learned the realities of tourism in Malta in terms of its fundamental importance for the economy, employment, and general development. Moreover, they understood the opportunities which are available in terms of new niche markets, youth tourism as well as accessibility tourism.

Having recognised the value and importance of the upcoming generations for the tourism sector in Malta, the activity also set out to allow them to express themselves. Students were in fact given the opportunity to voice their opinion on what changes they would like to see in tourism in Malta.

While the absolute majority said they would like to see a cleaner and more sustainable environment, others expressed their concern over tourists being overcharged and services not being efficient enough. Many were concerned over transportation services, whereas others suggested the creation of new activities to enhance the tourism product and pointed out the importance of retaining the unique hospitality for which the Maltese are renowned. Some of the students also thought of innovative ideas for possible future action plans.

This event forms part of an Educational Campaign for Tourism which is being planned out and shall kick start early next year. This event was made possible thanks to the organisers of Youth Week; EUPA in collaboration with the Secretariat for Youth and Sport and the Phoenicia Hotel.

For more information on this Campaign, please contact the Tourism and Sustainable Development Unit on tel. 2291 5051 or email rebekah.kamsky@gov.mt/ graziella.cortis@gov.mt

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