Tourists, Developers and Civil Society

Valletta's urban development reflects shifts in governance, tourism priorities, and social hierarchies. The city, built by the Knights of St John as a symbol of civilization, saw its prestige tied to central residence. Political transitions between Malta’s Nationalist Party (PN) and Labour Party (MLP) influenced urban policies, particularly after Britain’s military withdrawal in the late 1950s. The government then prioritized 'quality tourism,' favoring affluent, eco-conscious tourists over traditional sun-and-sea models. This study analyzes how political leadership, developer interests, and civil society shaped Valletta’s evolution, highlighting tensions between heritage preservation and modernization.

Boissevain, J. (2021). Tourists, Developers and Civil Society. Thinking through Tourism, 93–115. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003087229-5