In today's Times of Malta, the view of "Brand Malta" through Maltese citizen's eyes.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/core/article.php?id=233536

http://www.timesofmalta.com/core/article.php?id=233537

http://www.timesofmalta.com/core/article.php?id=233538

http://www.timesofmalta.com/core/article.php?id=233539

These are very important opinions from people who are actually helping to fund "Brand Malta".

Sliema2

Just read those letters I particularly liked the 'Brand Malta? Diesel and dust!

comment

Brilliant, Sliema2!

These letters are perfect examples of why we need to feed back to the MTA!

Letter 1 - get back to grass roots and actually ask the people on the streets what they think.

Letter 2 - the solutions that are developed need to suit both Maltese and visitors alike

Letter 3 - best of all, IMO, attention needs to be paid to the environment, infrastructure and quality of life of the Maltese people and this will then feed into an improved destination for tourists!

Yes, I agree, money could have been better spent but at least we do now have the opportunity to voice an opinion. Perhaps they can justify the expense because 35% of their GDP originates from tourism.

Ciao

Susan

I'm glad that you enjoyed your Malta holiday, could you tell us which things you particularly enjoyed?
How does Malta compare to other Mediterranean destinations that you've been to?

Well as I said I was exausted at the end of it and it was over 2 years ago (June 04). I can give a few comments that I have about various places as well. I chose Malta because I am Autistic, like culture, history and things like that, and at the point of going away I had a holiday from June 12 - October 4th, had some money left from my Bursary so it was between a Greek Island and Malta. Greek Islands at that time tended to be getting a bit of a hard time about brittish tourists and club 18-30 holidays so Malta it was. I went with my friend who was also 19 and her Mum. I haven't really been to any other Mediterranian Resorts except a school trip to the Costa Brava so I really can't compare. I sayed in Qawra in what was then the Reuben Court hotel.

What I found was that there was really no noise except for the night that England went through to the quater finals of Euro 2004.

What did I enjoy, Mdina and walking through the narrow streets, the Market in Valetta and the Festa. I went to the one in Zejtun.

I also enjoyed the Round Malta cruise, and I had a quick wander around on Comino rather than swim in the Blue Lagoon and the Harbour cruise. I also went on the Malta Bargains trips to Gozo and Jewels of Malta tour, and felt that these contained too much for one day.

Anyway I can not wait for next July and this time I am going for a fortnight so there will be no need to get so exausted!

Hi Helenllama,

Yes, you'll really be able to pace yourself with 2 weeks. I agree with you about Mdina, it's a really atmospheric place particularly early in the morning before everyone is up! I also like the waterfront/marina area around the Three Cities particularly between Senglea and Vittoriosa. Not many people seem to have discovered it yet.

Are you staying in the same area next time? Qawra is very handy for trips to Gozo/Comino and the north part of Malta as well as being much quieter than Paceville/Sliema.

Ciao

Susan

Yes - different accomodation though.

From the horses mouth (Joe Public, Malta)

What the MTA should do is visit tourist areas and see at first hand the true picture of the ailing tourist industry. .......

The MTA should mix with the people by asking them questions and noting the different points of view to have a first-hand experience on how the industry is performing........

Then they should come up with a feasible plan, stop wasting our money, and realize that Joe Citizen is their sole and undisputed director while they are the brand managers.

Quote from letter in todays Sunday Times of Malta. http://www.timesofmalta.com/core/article.php?id=233762

Totally agree. I do not think this post was set up to justify the direction MTA are taking but more like to point them the right way. The more information they get the better the chance they get it right.
We may be able to help by offering our past experiences and ideas for the future of Malta tourism.
It will be too late to grumble when things change and we start moaning 'what they should have done'.
I for one would never visit Malta again if it turned into another Benidorm or Faliraki.
The things that bother me:- The grubby appearance. ie. Dog mess, litter, dumped rubbish. Timeshare touts. The exchange rate. Over pricing. Some iffy bus drivers. Building taking too long, seeing it started last year and still not finished next year. Smarten the hotels and be more strict with the star rating. Cheaper flight would be most welcome.
These comments may seem trite but I do not think Malta needs a full makeover. it just needs a good scrub and a clean shirt.

Just over 4 weeks to go now and I will be there again. can't wait.

Allan

Excellent post Allan!

That's exactly the reason for the thread, and it is exactly the grass roots things that need to be changed. As you say, litter, dog mess etc. It won't take a lot to bring it back up to scratch will it!

I've seen quite a few letters over the last few days that echo the sentiments of the one you posted, Allan. People are quite right but not many people are saying what they think ought to change!

Ciao

Susan

Hello, I like what Alan has put, most of the things he says are more our less the same as I would have put, and then there are the taxi drivers I asked one for a price from Bailuta Bay to Sliema Ferries and the price was 7 Ml about 12 pounds for say 5K if you go the long way round or shorter if you cut through Sliema. Put this against Lisbon Airport to the centre of Lisbon 15euros about 10 pounds for 12K or Barcelona Airport to the Placa de Espanya in the centre 17euros about 11 pounds for 15K its not hard to see why the taxi drivers in Malta all seem to just wait around in the shade and have no work. Just another reason.

Then there is the thing with the old forces (Navy/Army/Airforce) at one time there was always lots of these going back to Malta to revisit there old friends but even they seem to have given up. One old boy I was talking to there this year told me he will not be coming back again because it was not the same as it was any more.

Dave

You've got a good point there, Dave.

I remember reading a long diatribe in the Times, written by the bloke who had taken over the running of the ferry port. Basically he was saying that he didn't see why his company should have to take responsibility for the road lighting etc and clearing up the streets.

Besides which some of the cruise customers were being taken advantage of by the carriage drivers. I think he quoted one couple who were charged 150 EUROS for a ride around Valletta!

From one point of view I can see that the Maltese who depend on the summer tourists are now having to make as much money as they can to pay their mortgage through the winter months but it certainly leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

Ciao

Susan

I notice from todays Times Of Malta,that tourism is at a 10 year low.The MTA have described this as serious and have called an emergency meeting to discuss the situation.
I for one am not surprised by this announcement.Hopefully the MTA will now wake up and see the numerous problems facing Malta,s tourist industry.
Maybe it would be in their interest to read some of the comments made on here

I've just come back from Gozo, being a repeat tourist to the Maltese Islands. Generally I enjoyed myself again, and think I'll probably be coming back again - but there were things that I experienced this time which might make me opt to go elsewhere.

There were many great things, but these are the things I did not like:

1. The islands seemed considerably dirtier than they were last year, with a lot more evidence of litter problems.

2. Prices. Most of these had jumped enough to be noticed. Cost of living is a factor for people who are not staying in hotels. Hire car costs were also an unpleasant shock this year.

3. The Gozo Ferry and Helicopter. I'll just laugh in passing at the flight costs - but both of these services now advertise three fares. I have no problem with locals getting a discount - I agree with it - but having your nose rubbed in it when you go to pay is not going to encourage many tourists to feel other than ripped off.

4. Roads. I actually enjoy driving in Malta - but please could a couple of the roads be left open during the main tourist season?
5. Local attitudes. I was staying in a privately rented apartment. It was very good. We rented the place in advance, through local friends, for 2 weeks. Some locals, however, made it known that, in their opinion, we should not be there as one of their friends wanted to use the apartment for 2 days and was not able to. This was, sadly, just one of several minor examples of an "attitude" which join together to put an ugly edge to my opinion of how we were treated.

6. Sea quality. The sea seemed a lot dirtier than before. This may have been just bad luck with the weather, but diving among sanitary items makes the Red Sea seem a lot more interesting.

I hope that some of these thoughts might be of some use.

Hi Redcoat,

I think you've hit the nail on the head with your report. There will come a time when Malta's bad points will outweigh the attractions. It is a real shame.

I hope someone from the MTA is reading this thread!

Found this interesting thread on a Maltese Forum about Brand Malta:

http://www.maltaforums.com/showthread.php?t=8659

A Word of Caution - some of the language used is quite 'basic'

Ciao

Susan

Just what we have been saying....>

http://www.timesofmalta.com/core/article.php?id=234143

Another very sensible and astute letter! Thanks Allan!

I particularly like the bit about

'the tourist is not a cow for milking'

Mooooooo!

Susan