Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1529778
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 NOVEMBER 2024 THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION The transformation for the better that the Kottonera, made up of Birgu, Bormla, Senglea and their suburb of Kalkara, has undergone is incredible. On past experience, long-suffering residents in the four localities could hardly have anticipated the many infrastruc- tural projects undertaken and the new services being provided. Until 2013, the Kottonera had to unfairly carry the burden of social and political stigma, a result of which no enhancement projects were carried out or completed, and commercial activity was per- ennially stifled. A vastly different picture emerg- es today. Up to just a few years back, residents in the Three Cities and Kalkara would have needed spectacles to find the odd tourist strolling along their historical streets and waterfronts. Today, tourists are pouring into the region on overland transport and ferry services from Sliema and Valletta. The influx obviously needed to be addressed with new and specific services that cater for both residents and visitors. The Kottonera and Kalkara have also seen a remarkable increase in the number of restaurants, cafes, museums, activities and attrac- tions which draw hoards of local and foreign visitors. It is a real change that can be assessed not only by the Kottonera communi- ties, but also the local commercial sector which thrives thanks to the unstinting efforts of the four dynamic local councils that the region is blessed with. Inevitably, this change demands the region shares in the country's next move – a further qualitative leap. The digital age requires the introduction of more universal sources of information and access. The recent launching of the tale- sofkottonera.com portal, a col- laoration between Heritage Malta and Marketlink Ltd, is another quality step forward. Such initia- tives form the basis as to how best exploit the Kottonera's socio-eco- nomic wellbeing. The portal offers a wholesome package of resources, historical facts, less known stories of the region, and many curious as- pects of life in the Kottonera. A veritable collection for locals and visitors of all ages. The Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government, Owen Bonnici described the portal as "reflecting our steadfast dedication to cultur- al preservation, and ensuring the stories of Kottonera reach a wider audience." The Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli, said "with the launching of Tales of Kottonera we are acknowledging our attachment to this significant region, and in the process, making our herit- age more accessible. This portal is a very good example of how technology and the narratives can be harmonised for the benefit of future generations." Heritage Malta CEO, Noel Zammit, emphasised "the portal will help minimise the gap between the past and the present, breathing life into the vibrant stories of Bir- gu, Borma, l-Isla, and Kalkara for people of all ages." All this forms part of the process of sustaining the positive transi- tion of the Kottonera, reflected in the dedicated input by Local Gov- ernment, local councils and the regional council. Add to this coor- dinated activity, the contributions from various local organisations, the local commercial sector, and the local communities themselves which can now vouch for the real- isation of the new Kottonera. Different generations are enjoying this reality, with many often nos- talgically referring to loved ones who have passed away and how they would have enjoyed seeing "their" Kottonera winning back its brilliant past. The progress achieved thus far does not mean there is room for complacency. Different sec- tors, such as cleanliness, public transport, and education among others, still need to be fine-tuned as the region joins the national quality leap. However, the Kotton- era is today featured prominently as other regions on the tourism calendar. It is no longer credit- ed with a sneaked paragraph in travel journals and magazines. The Kottonera has its many cus- toms, traditions and other unique attractions. Another quality step for Kottonera Kottonera and Kalkara have also seen a remarkable increase in the number of restaurants, cafes, museums, activities and attractions which draw hoards of local and foreign visitors.