The Maltese tourism strategy for 2021-2030 is a comprehensive strategy applicable in Malta and in Gozo. It largely addresses the role of cultural heritage, considering tangible as well as intangible heritage. The goal is to generate a fruitful relationship between tourism and cultural heritage, whereby tourism supports cultural preservation, instead of undermining it. This objective is possible if the strategy succeeds in creating “sustainable tourism”. To this end, the government aims at promoting a high diversity of cultural traditions and heritage, in order to diversify attractions and touristic offers and valorise local cultures.
Traditions and traditional knowledge play a key role in this context. In order to enable tourists to discover local traditions, the strategy promotes collaboration with local organisations, NGOs and tourist guides. This way the authorities aim at diversifying the tourist offer and avoid tourist concentrations in mainstream localities that would instead endanger culture and natural heritage. An important component of the Maltese heritage is represented by the marine environment that the strategy wishes to valorise.
Digitalisation and accessibility likewise play a fundamental role in the attempt to preserve and transmit cultural heritage to future generations. In addition, digitalisation is considered a powerful tool to protect cultural identity and to foster social interaction and community engagement.