Ephemeral spaces : Valletta 2018 foundation

Abstract

As the beginning of Valletta’s term as European Capital of Culture draws ever closer, stakeholders in the tourism industry are increasingly excited about the opportunities the title will bring for Malta. Despite the economy’s diversification, tourism remains its backbone, and there is a hope that the throngs of new visitors Valletta 2018 will attract will drive income to hotels, restaurants, bars, pubs, shops, and more. It is a buzz that is all too familiar to Nicolas Détrie, born and bred in Marseille. ‘When the news broke that Marseille would be the European Capital of Culture in 2013, there was a kind of frenzy about the income that it would generate for touristic operators. But we saw it as something more—a fantastic opportunity for Marseille to showcase not just its hospitality, but also its creativity.’