With an estimated one million tourists visiting Valletta each year, churches have the potential to provide a valuable tourism resource….
With an estimated one million tourists visiting Valletta each year, churches have the potential to provide a valuable tourism resource.
As part of a project being led by the Malta Tourism Authority, eight Valletta churches will be opening for visitors on a regular basis. This follows the success of a pilot project carried out last year. This initiative is being managed by the MTA’s Product Planning and Development Directorate.
The eight churches are: Church of St Francis of Assisi, Parish Church of St. Augustine, Sanctuary Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, Church of Christ The Redeemer (Sagramentini), Church of the Jesuits, Collegiate Parish Church of St Paul’s Shipwreck and St Mary of Jesus Church (Ta’ Giezu).
The MTA has also published a brochure which provides information on these churches, and includes a map to locate these and other interesting sites in Valletta. These brochures may be obtained from tourist information centres and the participating churches.
Information cards prepared by the MTA were also distributed in these churches so that visitors can better appreciate the history of each church and its treasures. Visitors are encouraged to make a small donation when visiting one of these churches.
The Malta Tourism Authority considers this initiative to be a step further in the development of religious tourism as a niche market.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
