Heritage management, tourism, and world heritage on Malta

Abstract

A miniscule archipelago on the southern fringe of Europe is hardly where one would expect to find the nation-state with the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Yet with three World Heritage inscriptions in a mere 316 square kilometers, Malta presents precisely this scenario, second only to the Holy See in density of sites. Malta also ranks among the 10 countries or dependent territories with the highest population density in the world. Add to this annual tourist arrivals that have lately been increasing by around 100,000 each year, surpassing 1.8 million in 2015— roughly four times the resident population—and you have an interesting tightrope walk of tempting opportunities and acute vulnerabilities.