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Malta: Mediterranean Haven Welcomes British Tourists Amidst European Anti-Tourism Sentiment
As a fresh wave of demonstrations against tourism emerges across popular European destinations, British travelers are being cautioned about potential disruptions this summer. In contrast to the growing discontent in countries like Spain and Greece, the island of Malta is extending a warm invitation to visitors from the UK, positioning itself as a welcoming alternative for British summer holidays. While some European hotspots grapple with overtourism, Malta emphasizes its hospitality and dependence on visitor economies.
Contrast with Rising Anti-Tourism Protests in Europe
Recent incidents highlight the escalating tensions in other tourist destinations. In Tenerife, activists reportedly targeted rental cars, damaging windows in a display of anti-tourism sentiment. Similarly, graffiti with messages urging ‘Tourists go home’ has been observed in Athens, reflecting a broader unease in some areas of Southern Europe towards mass tourism.
However, as Spain, Italy, and Greece grapple with these sentiments, Malta, a compact Mediterranean island, presents a contrasting picture. Despite its small size, just 17 miles long and nine miles wide, Malta actively encourages British tourists to choose its shores, promoting itself as a ‘mini paradise’ where, according to locals, ‘the more, the better!’.
A Fond Embrace of British Culture
Exploring Malta reveals a clear affinity for British culture, readily apparent throughout the island. In St Paul’s Bay, “Tourist Street” aptly demonstrates this connection, showcasing numerous British-themed pubs, bearing names like ‘Diana’s’ and ‘Red Lion’.
These establishments are not merely tourist-oriented venues; they are popular among holidaymakers, expatriates, and Maltese residents alike. Attracting patrons with affordable prices, pints can be found for as little as £2.75 (£3.20).
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Valletta, the capital city, further reinforces this link. Republic Square is prominently adorned with a statue of Queen Victoria, a lasting symbol of historical ties.
While popular European destinations experience pushback, Malta warmly welcomes British tourists.
Anti-tourism graffiti in Athens expresses local sentiment.
British-themed pubs are a common sight throughout Malta’s towns.
Diana’s Pub, a family-run establishment in St Paul’s Bay, is decorated with Diana memorabilia.
Along Sliema’s seafront, traditional pubs, again drawing inspiration from the Royal Family for their names, further underscore Malta’s British connections.
Local Voices: Welcoming Tourism in Malta
Marisa Farrugia, manager of the Red Lion Pub in St Paul’s Bay, emphasizes Malta’s welcoming atmosphere for British visitors. She suggests that those feeling unwelcome elsewhere should consider Malta for a hospitable reception.
During a visit to the pub at 4 pm, patrons, including local expats and British tourists, were already enjoying the Easter holidays within the pub’s English football-themed ambiance.
‘We get a lot of British tourists in here,’ Ms. Farrugia noted.
‘The more we have, the better for us!’ she added enthusiastically.
‘I think tourists feel more welcomed in Malta; the locals are friendlier here.’
‘If they’re not welcome elsewhere because of anti-tourism, hopefully people will come here more.’
‘Just come from the airport straight to here,’ she joked, highlighting the pub’s inviting atmosphere.
Like many Maltese pubs, the Red Lion’s walls are adorned with football scarves. Guinness pints are available behind the bar for £4.80 (€5.50).
Marisa Farrugia highlights Malta’s warm welcome for tourists.
The Red Lion Pub is popular among tourists, British expats and Maltese locals.
Queen Victoria statue in Valletta’s Republic Square.
Recent protests in Spain highlight housing concerns linked to overtourism.
St Paul’s Bay and surrounding areas host a significant British expat community and become a popular destination for tourists in the summer months, drawn to the coastal resorts.
Maltese residents recognize their reliance on tourism.
‘I don’t think we have any anti-tourism feelings here. People rely on tourism here a lot,’ Ms. Farrugia stated.
Reflecting on the pandemic’s impact, she added, ‘I remember when Covid hit and the airport closed here; for years, it was literally like a ghost town.’
‘There was nothing, we had nothing, without the tourists, we had nothing.’
‘It’s very important for us.’
‘I think this year is going to be even busier because even during winter this year we’ve been busy.’
‘Usually from about November to February we are quieter, but this year we’re still busy.’
Last year, Malta recorded 3.56 million tourist arrivals, exceeding the Maltese population of 563,000 sixfold, with British visitors constituting the largest group. An estimated 15,000 British expats also reside on the island, many in the St Paul’s Bay vicinity.
Ms. Farrugia emphasizes the importance of tourism for Malta’s economy.
Tourists and locals enjoy outdoor dining in Valletta.
Valletta’s streets busy with tourists in early April.
A cruise ship docked in Valletta Harbour.
Anti-tourist graffiti in Tenerife.
Messages urging tourists to ‘go home’ in Athens.
Expat Perspective: A Welcoming Island Community
Richie Allsop, a 37-year-old who relocated from Huddersfield to Malta a decade ago, speaks highly of the local hospitality. ‘The locals are amazing, so welcoming, so friendly. Everybody is generally so lovely,’ he said.
‘They want more tourism. They want more.’
‘I’ve seen it about Spain, I’ve seen it all over the news where they say “don’t go to Spain they’re going to hate you”.’
‘But here, they want them here.’
‘When it was Covid here a lot of places didn’t realize how much they relied on the tourists, because they thought “oh the bread and butter will come in”.’
‘Well the bread and butter was the tourists, that was it. When it was only shops that could open, the souvenir shops were open, for nothing, nobody was going in. It was heartbreaking.’
‘So they want more tourism.’
Comparing Malta to less welcoming destinations, Mr. Allsop shared, ‘I’ve been to Spain, I’ve been to Greece, I’d never have lived there.’
‘I don’t find them welcoming countries, even before they started this anti-tourism business.’
‘They just weren’t very welcoming to the tourists, to the English people specifically, because I guess Brits have got a reputation of Brits abroad.’
Richie Allsop highlights the welcoming nature of Maltese locals.
Inside the Red Lion Pub.
The Queen Elizabeth II Pub in Sliema.
Boats and yachts in Valletta’s harbour.
‘I understand it in other countries, they don’t like it. But in Malta, we do need it because we don’t have anything else.’
‘We’re all hotels, all apartments, all AirBnBs, they embrace it here.’
‘All my friends are mostly Maltese, which shows how welcoming they are.’
Tourist Hotspots Already Thriving
Even before the peak summer season, Malta’s tourist areas are already vibrant. Valletta’s main street, Republic Street, is bustling with visitors around gelaterias and souvenir shops.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel dome stands prominently as restaurants and bars extend onto the pavements with outdoor seating. Day cruises and boats departing from Sliema and Mellieha transport tourists to Gozo and Comino.
Visitor Testimonials: Malta vs. Other European Destinations
British holidaymakers Shana Sandal, 34, and Kaytee Holgate, 32, praised Malta after visiting from Leeds. ‘We’ve been to Italy, and they’re all more rude in Italy than you’d get here,’ they remarked.
‘We’ve loved it in Malta; we’ve said it’s our favorite place we’ve been in Europe actually.’
‘Its been a lot friendlier than say Italy.’
Valletta’s iconic dome of the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
British tourists Shana Sandal and Kaytee Holgate found Malta their favorite European destination.
The popular Blue Lagoon in Comino.
Salisbury Arms pub interior.
‘I also think Spain is too British now, whereas Malta still has an element of culture.’
‘What we’re saying is “don’t tell anybody how nice it is!”’
‘We’d definitely come back here.’
Acknowledging Local Concerns
While Maltese hospitality is evident, concerns regarding housing and overcrowding, particularly in areas like Comino, are acknowledged by locals. However, residents largely understand that Malta’s economy heavily depends on tourism and express reluctance to jeopardize this vital sector.
Julian Bonnici, from investigative journalism platform Amphora Media, noted, ‘There is an issue with tourism in Malta. But it’s a bit of a Catch 22.’
‘Tourism is a massive industry here and it is sort of the lifeblood of the country.’
‘But tourism is rising and rising. Parts of it irritates locals, but because it is such a big industry people just accept it.’
‘I think it’s a bit of a “don’t bite the hand that feeds you” situation.’
‘In Malta we’re not really ones for civil disobedience.’
‘You don’t get people protesting against AirBnBs here like in Spain because there are a lot of people making money out of it. Even if you don’t, you probably know a friend or relative that does.’
Diana’s Pub signage featuring Princess Diana.
Beer selection at Diana’s Pub.
Senglea fortified city.
Locals acknowledge Malta’s economic reliance on tourism.
‘The Maltese people also tend to buy their property, so they aren’t as affected by the rental market as in say Barcelona.’
Pub Culture and Community Spirit
Further along Tourist Street in St Paul’s Bay, near the Elvis Tribute Lounge, is Murphy’s Irish Pub, which anticipates its daily influx of patrons.
Angela Petrovic, a 22-year-old from Serbia working part-time at Murphy’s while studying, described the pub’s clientele: ‘We get a lot of British expats and locals who come here. During summer it gets busier with tourists.’
‘You get the older crowd who live here, you get British people, Irish people, some Scottish people.’
‘You get a lot of Brits who come here for say three months at a time, go back for a bit, and then come back. During the winter period usually.’
‘The Maltese are welcoming towards tourists. The whole island depends on tourism so they kind of have to.’
‘After you lose something you see how much it meant. During the Covid times it was a sort of wake up call for them, because they didn’t approve visas for a lot of people so they lost a lot of people working in the hotels and waiters and stuff like that.’
‘So they noticed that the island needs people and the island depends on tourism.’
‘They used to give vouchers of 100 euros to go and dine at a local restaurant after Covid.’
Angela Petrovic at Murphy’s Irish Pub.
Murphy’s Irish Pub exterior.
Elvis Tribute Lounge nearby Murphy’s.
Salisbury Arms Pub with affordable pints.
Souvenir shops in Valletta.
The British theme extends to Valletta, home to the Queen Victoria pub. Savic Milena, assistant manager, explained, ‘The owner is Maltese but he loves Brits and the British culture so he did it up like this.’
‘We live for tourism here in Malta, this is how Malta survives. We rely on it.’
‘We’ve got classic pub food here and a range of special lagers.’
‘Loads of Maltese people come here because they love it, they love that typical British pub feel.’
‘It’s actually mostly the Maltese who come in, but Brits come in too when they pass by and realize the name.’
‘We have cheap pints and wines. It’s always packed.’
The owner also operates two Queen Elizabeth pubs in Sliema.
Savic Milena emphasizes tourism’s importance to Malta.
Queen Victoria Pub exterior, busy on a weekday.
Island Life souvenir shop in Valletta.
London Gastropub offering British and Asian cuisine.
The Royal British Legion bar in Valletta sees a mix of Maltese and British patrons, showcasing community integration. Maria Agius, the bar’s Birmingham-born manager, who moved to Malta in 1976, shared, ‘I moved here back in 1976 and I love it. It’s such a nice and friendly country.’
‘If you need help with anything, they are always willing to stop and help you.’
‘The only problem is it is getting too overcrowded with restaurants and boutique hotels and so the residents are leaving Valletta.’
‘And when residents can’t afford the rent any longer, instead of bringing in another set of tenants, they turn it into a boutique hostel.’
In Qawra, the British Residents’ Association Library serves as a hub for expats, selling books and cards to raise funds for charity.
Maria Agius, manager of the British Legion bar.
The British Legion bar frequented by locals.
Overcrowding concerns in Valletta.
Gillian Thompson, a long-term British expat in Malta.
Gillian Thompson, from Rothbury, a 16-year Malta resident and Royal British Legion member organizing poppy donations, also crafts cards for charity sales at the British Residents’ Association Library.
‘I came on holiday here about 40 years ago and loved it,’ she recounted, sitting with her dog Biscuit outside the library.
‘Then when I retired, I took early retirement after working as a nurse, and I found somewhere to stay here for a year.’
‘But I knew within three or four months that I wanted to live here.’
‘It’s a much easier way of life. We’re locals nearly now.’
‘You’ve got British expat communities in St Paul’s Bay, Sliema, St Julian’s, Mellieha, Gozo.’
‘I would say 99 per cent of people are friendly. We don’t really find any anti-British sentiment anywhere here.’