Malta should establish its own version of Barcelona’s famous La Boqueria food court or Madrid’s Mercado San Miguel as a new authentic touristic attraction, the Malta Chamber has proposed.
In a new policy document, the Chamber said such a venue would bring together local chefs, producers and artisans under one roof, offering visitors a curated experience of Malta’s culinary heritage, from street food and seasonal dishes to regional specialities.
“Quality experiences have to be place-true, curated and authentic and what better way than using gastronomy to push that message?” Alan Arrigo, Chairperson of the Tourism Operators Business Section within the Malta Chamber told WhosWho.mt.
“Ultimately visitors want to experience something that is locally Maltese.”
Mr Arrigo said the details of how such a market could look like are up for discussion but it’s crucial that tourists are offered a local and authentic experience.
“Tourists visit a destination to live the culture of that destination,” he explained.
“Gastronomy is the epitome of a culture, and if we don’t give tourists a local, authentic gastronomic experience, then we’re not giving them what is Maltese and what they came for.”
The Malta Chamber’s new policy document lists authenticity and uniqueness as one of three main pillars the country must embrace to achieve quality tourism.
Other gastronomy-related proposals include an update to the law governing catering licenses, and curated local and seasonal food trails that are integrated into tour operator itineraries.
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