A Study on the Relationship Between Tourism and Regeneration Policies for Historic Buildings in the Maltese Islands
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A STUDY ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TOURISM AND REGENERATION POLICIES FOR HISTORIC BUILDINGS IN THE MALTESE ISLANDS JOSEPH FALZON A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the University of Bolton for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy MARCH 2017 “Our belief at the beginning of a doubtful undertaking is the one thing that ensures the successful outcome of the venture.” William James [Philosopher, psychologist, physician 1842-1910] i ABSTRACT Historic buildings promote continuity of a place and represents nation’s cultural values and identity. Despite their wide acknowledged contribution to the tourism and leisure industry, several historic buildings are left abandoned, misused or demolished by neglect. The aim of this research was to examine regeneration policies for historic buildings on the Maltese Islands and their impact on the tourism and leisure industry. This research, based on a pragmatic philosophical stance, employed a mixed- methods sequential explanatory design, whereby a quantitative survey study was followed by qualitative interviews and focus groups for triangulation purposes. A pre- piloted questionnaire comprising of open, closed and 5-point Likert scales was developed from existing policies and distributed amongst all mayors from each of the 68 local councils within Malta and Gozo. Interviews followed with architects, investors, community representatives and decision making stakeholders representing national authorities. The final data collection phase included focus groups that convened all stakeholders that participated in the research. Thematic analysis was conducted from transcribed audio recorded interviews and focus groups. Response rate of questionnaire was 65% (44/68). Less than half of respondents (45%) strongly agreed/agreed that they were aware of the existing national legislation. Only 16% claimed that there is no conflict between planning policies as set out by the policy makers of national authorities and government. Key themes generated from all phases of this study were ‘ regeneration potential for tourism and leisure industry , ‘ governance for regeneration ’ and ‘ societal aspirations by regeneration ’. This research highlighted the importance of encouraging a culture- led, “bottom-up” approach for regeneration rather than “top-down”. Research is original contribution to knowledge as it identified gaps in policies, and developed insights for niche markets in tourism and leisure industry. ii The setting up of a single entity responsible for regeneration is recommended to lead regeneration supported by evidence based policies and community participation to ensuring that a sustainable contemporary layer will eventually form part of heritage of future generations. Historic buildings, Mixed-methods, Policies, Regeneration, Sustainability, Tourism and Leisure. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This journey has been made possible with the help of many. My deep gratitude goes to my director of studies, Dr Margaret Nelson PhD, MA, PGCHE, BSc (Hons), MBIFM, FHEA. Reader, University of Bolton, ESS & R&GS for her support, dedication and efforts in guiding me throughout this research. I appreciated a lot her continued support. I would like to thank my second supervisors Dr. Mohammad Tammo PhD, MArch, DipArch, BArch, ACIAT, FHEA and Dr. Joseph Kangwa PhD, BSc (Hons), FHEA, ACIOB. Senior Lecturer, Leeds Beckett University for their assistance. Various participants informed the several stages of this research. I would like to thank all participants for their valid contribution in this research. These included participants of questionnaires, interviews and focus groups who not only showed willingness to participate but also believed that research contributes to the benefit of all. A special thank you goes to my parents and family for their continuous support. iv DECLARATION I declare that I have conducted this study and that this thesis is entirely my own work. When the work of others features in the text, this is indicated by referring to the original source. This thesis has not been submitted to any other academic body in fulfilment of a degree and it has not been published. Signed: ___________________________ Dated: ____________________________ v EXTERNAL OUTPUTS Falzon, J., Nelson, M. (2017) ‘Regenerating Historic Buildings – Policy Gaps’ ICUHAC 2017: 19 th International Conference on Urban Heritage and Architectural Conservation, Madrid- Spain, March 26 to 27, 2017 Falzon, J., Nelson, M. (2017) ‘Regeneration for Tourism- Policy Gaps’ ICCHT 2017: 19 th International Conference on Cultural Heritage and Tourism, Paris- France, January 23 to 24, 2017 Falzon, J. (2016) ‘Regenerating Creative Spaces’ 3rd International Conference on Cultural Relations in Europe and the Mediterranean. Cities as Community Spaces, Valletta – Malta, November 23 to 25, 2016. Valletta 2018 European Capital of Culture. Falzon, J., Nelson, M. (2016) ‘Sustainable Re-use of Historic Buildings for Tourism and Leisure Industry’ International Conference on Global Tourism and Sustainability, Lagos – Portugal, October 12 to 14, 2016. Green Lines Institute for Sustainable Development. Falzon, J. (2016) ‘ Albergo diffuso – Regenerating buildings for a niche market in the Maltese Islands’. 4th International Conference on Sustainable Development, Rome – Italy, September 16 to 17, 2016. European Centre of Sustainable Development. Falzon, J. (2016) ‘Governance for Built Heritage Sustainability’ 5th International Conference on Heritage and Sustainable Development, Lisbon – Portugal, July 12 to 15, 2016. Green Lines Institute for Sustainable Development Falzon, J. (2016) ‘Sustainable Use of Heritage Resources’ Europe and the Mediterranean, Towards a Sustainable Built Environment, Valletta- Malta, March16 to 18, 2016. SBE16_ Malta International Conference. Falzon, J., Nelson, M. (2015) ‘An Examination of Regeneration Policies of Historic Buildings in relation to the Tourism and Leisure Industry’ Cultural Mapping: Debating Spaces and Places, Valletta- Malta, October 22 to 23, 2015. Valletta 2018 European Capital of Culture. vi Contents LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................................1 LIST OF TABLES ..............................................................................................................................3 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS .............................................................................................................5 LIST OF SYMBOLS ..........................................................................................................................8 LIST OF APPENDICES ....................................................................................................................9 Questionnaires with Mayors ........................................................................................................9 Interviews: Non-decision making stakeholders ........................................................................9 Interviews: Decision making stakeholders ................................................................................9 Focus Groups: All stakeholders ..................................................................................................9 CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 11 1.1 Contextual Background ...................................................................................................... 11 1.1.1 Tourism in Malta ........................................................................................................... 12 1.1.2 Built heritage for tourism and leisure in Malta .......................................................... 13 1.1.3 Relevance of historic buildings in Malta .................................................................... 14 1.1.4 Political Context ............................................................................................................ 14 1.2 Rationale for this research ................................................................................................. 15 1.3 Aim and objectives of this research .................................................................................. 17 1.4 Structure of the research plan ........................................................................................... 21 1.5 Significance of the study to Malta’s strategic needs ...................................................... 21 1.6 Implications of this research on the Development of Malta .......................................... 22 1.7 Presentation of the thesis ................................................................................................... 23 CHAPTER 2 - LEGISLATION AND POLICIES ......................................................................... 25 2.1 Aim and Objectives of Legislation and Policy Review ................................................... 25 2.2 International Conventions ................................................................................................... 25 2.2.1 Status of the Maltese Government on the Conventions of the Council of Europe . 26 2.2.2 Status of the Maltese Government on the Conventions of the United Nations ...... 26 2.2.3 Implementing International Conventions and Charters .............................................. 26 2.3 European Union legislative framework ............................................................................