Letters | Sunday, 21 December 2008

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Tourist guides support Valletta regeneration

Tourist Guides are ‘ambassadors’ of our islands they are the mouthpiece of our visitors.
It is important for all stakeholders in the industry to be open to feedback and be proactive. The Malta Union of Tourist Guides has been tireless in its efforts to raise awareness with regards to problems visitors face whilst on tour in the Capital.
It is nice to welcome visitors to ‘the city built by gentlemen’ but the product leaves a lot to be desired. A shabby entrance, ruins of an Opera house used as a car park or a construction site, lack of public toilets... the list is endless.
Tours mainly include visits to prime sites like the State Rooms in the Grand Master’s Palace, and this is many a time another disappointment. The Grand Master’s Palace is not equipped to cater for visitors. For those who are yet unaware of what really goes on, I would like to explain that the only access (and exit) to the State Rooms is up a narrow, dark spiral staircase composed of 39 steps. Once this hurdle is over one finds out that only four rooms are open to visitors (there have been cases whereby only three or two state rooms were available).
One can imagine what happens when large or numerous groups visit the Palace. Never-ending queues and chaos leave a negative impact on visitors. Moreover, on certain days when official events take place, the Palace is closed at short notice.
The MUTG supports the two projects earmarked by government for refurbishment. The ruins of the Opera House and City Gate are an eyesore. Valletta is crying out for attention – the problems need to be addressed urgently and we are optimistic that this is a step in the right direction. Peoples’ needs and desires are constantly changing. Debating societies, art classes and poetry readings are the new trend. We tourist guides can’t wait to see Valletta as a true European City of Culture.

Glorianne Mizzi
Malta Union of Tourist Guides

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