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Malta Extends Warm Welcome to British Tourists Amid European Tourism Tensions
Amidst growing anti-tourism sentiment in some European destinations, a public house on the idyllic island nation of Malta is encouraging British travelers to visit, asserting a contrasting viewpoint: “The more we have, the better for us!” This invitation comes as certain regions in Europe grapple with the impacts of overtourism, leading to demonstrations and a less than welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
Malta Offers Alternative to Destinations Facing Overtourism Protests
Last year witnessed significant demonstrations across various European locales protesting overtourism. Notably, in Spain, sizable gatherings took place in major urban centers such as Barcelona, where some disgruntled residents engaged in acts of protest against tourists. These actions and sentiments have prompted some British holidaymakers to reconsider their travel plans, seeking alternative destinations perceived as more hospitable.
Concerns among residents in several Spanish areas, particularly popular holiday destinations like Tenerife and Majorca, center around the perceived link between substantial tourist numbers and vacation rentals and escalating living costs. In response to these issues, some local councils have initiated measures to address overtourism, further influencing travel decisions.
Red Lion Pub in St Paul’s Bay Champions Pro-Tourism Stance
In contrast, Marisa Farrugia, the manager of the Red Lion Pub situated in St Paul’s Bay, Malta, is actively inviting British tourists to consider her nation as their next vacation spot. Malta, a sun-drenched Mediterranean island located between Sicily and North Africa, presents itself as a welcoming haven for travelers.
Speaking to MailOnline, Ms. Farrugia emphasized the pub’s popularity among British visitors: “We get a lot of British tourists in here,” and reiterated her welcoming stance, “The more we have, the better for us!”
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“I think tourists feel more welcomed in Malta, the locals are more friendly here,” she added, suggesting a warmer reception compared to regions experiencing anti-tourism backlash. “If they’re not welcome elsewhere because of anti-tourism, hopefully people will come here more.”
With a touch of humor, she mentioned that the well-known pub is often the first stop for patrons seeking refreshment immediately upon leaving the airport.
Saint Paul’s Bay, a favored tourist town on the northeastern coast of Malta within the Northern Region, is home to approximately 38,000 residents and is known for its appeal to international visitors, particularly from Britain.
Tourism as a Cornerstone of Malta’s Local Economy
Similar to renowned Spanish resorts, St Paul’s Bay attracts a significant number of British tourists. Ms. Farrugia highlighted the town’s economic reliance on international tourism. “I don’t think we have any anti-tourism feelings here. People rely on tourism here a lot,” she stated, underscoring the community’s dependence on visitor revenue.
She recounted the severe impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, recalling the airport’s closure and the subsequent desolation. “It was literally like a ghost town” for an extended period. “There was nothing, we had nothing, without the tourists we had nothing,” she explained, stressing the vital role of foreign visitors to local businesses and livelihoods and emphasizing that the business generated by tourists is “very important for us”.
Malta Reports Record Tourist Influx
Malta experienced unprecedented tourism figures last year, reaching a total of 3.56 million visitors, as announced by Malta Tourism Authority CEO Carlo Micallef in February. This substantial figure represents a 20% increase compared to the numbers recorded in 2023, according to The Times of Malta.
Mr. Micallef noted that a considerable portion of this growth occurred “during the winter months.” The peak summer season saw a 17% surge in tourism, while the off-season experienced an even more pronounced increase of 26%, as reported by the news outlet.