Operators at the Ta’ Qali crafts village who spoke with WhosWho.mt have flagged the lack of visitors in the area, and the "unfinished" state of the village.

The Government had undertaken a multi-million euro infrastructural upgrade of the area back in 2017, with a number of operators upgrading their properties and others building according to specifications, with some government funding to assist. 

But the Crafts village, now officially known as the Artisan Village, lacks visitors and a number of plots remain unfinished, a number of operators said, highlighting issues they believe are the cause and also making recommendations as to what can be done to improve the situation.

The majority of operators who spoke to WhosWho.mt, who preferred to remain anonymous, praised the infrastructural works that were conducted by INDIS Malta, but some of them said that the footfall they experienced in their shops was better before the project to upgrade the site took place.

By noon on one particular day, an operator told this newsroom that they only had 6 people enter their shop. Another operator said that things just have not improved, and that maybe 100 tourists visit on average daily. Yet another operator said that they experienced a drastic reduction in foot traffic since the site's upgrade.

When this newsroom went on site, a very small number of visitors were seen around the village. 

A number of operators mentioned that a number of plots in the village either have not been constructed, or are left excavated, unopened or half-built, arguing that this is seriously putting tourists off and affecting the area’s promotion. Some operators believe some plot owners just decided not to move forward, and that some encountered financial issues setting them back. There were also allegations of speculative land-grabbing in the past.

Another issue raised by some was that tour buses have a single stop on the outskirts of the village, with tourists only being given enough time to visit one or two shops closest to it before being driven to other locations, thus not going around and that the majority of shops don't benefit. One operator also described this as a design flaw of the village, as tour buses only pass through the outskirts so passengers don’t know what other shops are inside.

Some mentioned the lack of trees offering shade for people during the hot summer months.

The lack of food and beverage establishments was also pointed out by some, who argued that visitors don’t really have enough places where they can eat, thus meaning that it is not as appealing for an afternoon out for example.

Another operator said that more handmade artisan establishments should operate in the village.

A number said that what is needed is more advertising, saying that tourists don’t know about the crafts village. Operators who spoke to this newsroom said there is a foundation which does carry out advertising, but that it is not nearly enough. “It should be advertised in the KM Malta airlines inflight magazine” one operator suggested, and others said more advertising by the Malta Tourism Authority is needed to entice more tourists to make their way to the village.

An operator who relies on Maltese customers for their business would also like to see more promotion of the area, and suggested organised tours of the village, which could also incorporate classes offered by various artisans.

‘A cross between a building site and a ghost town’

A quick glance at Trip Advisor, and one can see the issues visitors have with the area. The Ta’ Qali Crafts Village has a 3.3 out of 5 rating. Some of the more recent reviews highlight the number of closed or unfinished buildings. “A cross between a building site and a ghost town with a few shops,” one visitor mentions in their review. “Advertised as a craft village, however there is a lot of derelict buildings and lots of building work going on and buildings that are vacant units,” another writes. “Lots of beautiful craft here. Glass, filigree jewellery, ceramics and wood. The layout is a small village as its name suggests but I have no idea if I saw everything! There are no maps provided and no street direction signs to help you get around,” another visitor wrote.

Court cases

WhosWho.mt contacted the Economy Ministry to ask about the crafts village.

“INDIS Malta, as administrator of the Ta’ Qali Crafts Village, was responsible for completing and finalising all common areas and shared infrastructure,” the ministry said when asked about concerns regarding the unfinished state of the village, adding that the works were completed by 2021.

“All plots within Ta’ Qali Crafts Village are held under emphyteutical grants in favour of third parties, with some grants dating back to 2013. In certain cases, owners failed to adhere to the conditions of their emphyteutical grants by not constructing or operating their allocated units. As a result, INDIS Malta had no alternative but to initiate legal proceedings to terminate the relevant concessions. These proceedings have been ongoing for approximately two years,” it added.

The ministry said that other tenants experienced financial difficulties during the Covid-19 period, as well as practical challenges associated with constructing their units using Maltese stone. “INDIS Malta is assisting these tenants by facilitating the construction of their units through a financial repayment plan spread over a 12-year period.”

It said that INDIS continues to monitor the progress of the said units to ensure that the village continues to operate efficiently. “INDIS is also absorbing all costs for 24 hour security, cleaning and maintenance of roads and surrounding gardens, playground maintenance and all expenses in relation to the common infrastructure until such time that all owners meet their obligations.”

There are promotional efforts, ministry says

As for what could be done to bring more foot traffic to the village, the ministry said that a number of initiatives are already being undertaken by the Malta Crafts Foundation, “often in collaboration with artisans, tourism stakeholders, educational institutions, and other partners, with the aim of increasing visitor numbers and encouraging greater engagement with the village.”

It said that the Foundation promotes the village and artisans through television programmes, magazines and digital platforms, among other channels. It also collaborates with educational institutions organising visits and activities, collaborates with tourism stakeholders including hotels encouraging visitors to participate in artisan-led workshops and demonstrations, and organises activities like artisan markets and training courses throughout the year, the ministry said, adding that these initiatives not only increase footfall but also provide opportunities for visitors to engage directly with artisans.

In terms of promotional efforts, it said the Malta Crafts Foundation promotes the village in the media and also produced a dedicated map of Malta’s artisan villages, which has been distributed to all four- and five-star hotels across Malta. “Additional promotional efforts include advertising at Malta International Airport and the distribution of promotional material.”

The ministry said that “significant efforts” are already being made, but that promotion is an ongoing process and there is always scope to build on existing initiatives.

But a number of crafts village operators who spoke to this newsroom said that more advertising of the area is needed.

Looking ahead

Looking forward, the ministry said that there are opportunities to further strengthen the village’s appeal through the continued expansion of experiential tourism offerings, additional events and activities, stronger links with the tourism sector, and complementary attractions within the wider Ta’ Qali area.

“In this regard, Government through INDIS Malta will launch a Request for Proposals for the development of an amusement park within Ta’ Qali, which has the potential to increase visitors to the area and create additional opportunities for cross-visitation to the Artisan Village.” Some operators are aware of this plan, with one questioning why it would start another project would start before the village is fully built.

The ministry said that further investment in visitor amenities, including food and beverage facilities, would also contribute towards enhancing the overall visitor experience and encouraging longer stays within the village.

Asked whether the Government has any plans to support operators in the village, the ministry said they could access a number of support measures, mentioning the Business Development Scheme to facilitate projects aimed at establishing, expanding, modernising or upgrading artisan facilities. It also said that investment in the setting up of a new establishment or the expansion of an existing establishment may be supported through the Invest scheme. In addition, it said that smaller investment projects, including minor upgrades to business premises, acquisition of equipment, digital solutions, signage, etc. may be supported through the Micro Invest scheme.