Public consultation launched on future of rural tourism

What should rural tourism look like in Malta and Gozo? How can tourism create opportunities for farmers, rural businesses and local communities without putting further pressure on landscapes, traditions and everyday life? And what do residents and visitors actually want from rural tourism?

These are some of the questions being explored through the National Guide for Rural Tourism Stakeholders, an initiative led by SEED Projects with the support of the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA). The guide aims to provide practical recommendations for a more regenerative, culturally respectful and economically beneficial approach to rural tourism across the Maltese Islands.

Over the past months, the project team has spoken with a wide range of people connected to rural tourism, including farmers, artisans, tourism operators, researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders. These discussions are helping build a picture of what is already happening on the ground, including what is working, what is missing, the risks involved, potential opportunities and concerns raised by those involved.

The next stage is to gather views from a wider section of the public. Residents, tourists and people connected to rural tourism are being invited to take part in the consultation.

There are three surveys, designed to gather different perspectives:

Residents – The survey asks residents about rural tourism in their area, its impact on everyday life, and what they would like to see protected, improved or developed.

Tourists – Visitors are being asked about their experience of rural Malta and Gozo, what attracts them to rural areas and what could encourage them to explore them further.

Rural Tourism Operators – Operators are being asked about their experience, challenges and ideas, whether they already offer rural tourism activities or are considering becoming involved.

Each survey takes approximately five to 10 minutes to complete. Responses may be submitted anonymously and will be used to inform the development of the guide.

The responses are intended to help inform recommendations based on the experiences, needs and expectations of people who live in, work in or visit Malta’s rural areas. A dedicated page on the SEED Projects website provides further information about the initiative and access to the surveys.

The organisers said the responses will provide perspectives from residents, visitors, farmers, artisans and tourism operators on the development of rural tourism in the Maltese Islands.

The surveys can be accessed through the SEED Projects rural tourism page.