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Preserving Cultural and Religious Heritage for Sustainable Tourism Development

The UM, through its Department of Tourism Management, welcomed 24 academics from 15 universities for the latest transnational meeting of the SacredTravels4Growth Project.

This EU-funded initiative focuses on preserving, promoting, and integrating cultural and religious heritage within sustainable tourism development across diverse regions. By adopting a multidisciplinary and transnational approach, the project seeks to strengthen the institutional capacities of higher education institutions and local stakeholders in designing inclusive, heritage-based tourism models that foster economic development while safeguarding cultural traditions and spiritual values.

Dr Noel Buttigieg, Head of the Department of Tourism Management, together with Dr Dane Munro, led the consortium through a programme of workshops, discussions, and study visits to key Maltese faith-based heritage sites. Guest speakers contributed expert insights on the significance and management of religious tourism attractions, including St John’s Co Cathedral, the Inquisitor’s Palace, and the prehistoric temple complexes of ĦaÄ¡ar Qim and Mnajdra.

At its core, the project is committed to developing innovative curricula and training modules in sustainable cultural and religious tourism. These resources aim to build the capacity of tourism professionals, heritage managers, and community stakeholders, ensuring that cultural and religious heritage continues to thrive as a cornerstone of sustainable tourism development