Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546341
6 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 28 AUGUST 2026 NEWS WHAT should rural tourism look like in Malta and Gozo? How can tourism create oppor- tunities for farmers, rural busi- nesses and local communities without putting further pressure on landscapes, traditions and everyday life? And what do res- idents and visitors actually want from rural tourism? These are some of the questions being explored through the Na- tional Guide for Rural Tourism Stakeholders, an initiative led by SEED Projects with the support of the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA). The guide aims to pro- vide practical recommendations for a more regenerative, cultur- ally respectful and economically beneficial approach to rural tour- ism across the Maltese Islands. Over the past months, the pro- ject team has spoken with a wide range of people connected to rural tourism, including farm- ers, artisans, tourism operators, researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders. These dis- cussions are helping build a pic- ture of what is already happening on the ground, including what is working, what is missing, the risks involved, potential oppor- tunities and concerns raised by those involved. The next stage is to gather views from a wider section of the public. Residents, tourists and people connected to rural tour- ism are being invited to take part in the consultation. There are three surveys, de- signed to gather different per- spectives: Residents – The survey asks residents about rural tourism in their area, its impact on everyday life, and what they would like to see protected, improved or de- veloped. Tourists – Visitors are being asked about their experience of rural Malta and Gozo, what at- tracts them to rural areas and what could encourage them to explore them further. Rural Tourism Operators – Operators are being asked about their experience, challenges and ideas, whether they already of- fer rural tourism activities or are considering becoming involved. Each survey takes approximate- ly five to 10 minutes to complete. Responses may be submitted anonymously and will be used to inform the development of the guide. The responses are intended to help inform recommendations based on the experiences, needs and expectations of people who live in, work in or visit Malta's rural areas. A dedicated page on the SEED Projects website pro- vides further information about the initiative and access to the surveys. The organisers said the re- sponses will provide perspectives from residents, visitors, farmers, artisans and tourism operators on the development of rural tourism in the Maltese Islands. The surveys can be accessed through the SEED Projects rural tourism page. Public consultation launched on future of rural tourism Residents, tourists and rural tourism operators are being invited to take part in a public consultation on the future of rural tourism in Malta and Gozo