Valletta 2018 : was it successful?

Abstract

Now that 2018 has ended, an inevitable question is this: Was Valletta 2018 successful as a European Capital of Culture? ECoC is much more than a series of cultural activities. Often ECoC is one of various urban policy tools used by cities to regenerate themselves. Urban renewal is achieved not only by implementing capital projects but also by breathing new life into a city's culture, enhancing a city’s image and boosting tourism. The article debates the success or otherwise of Valletta 2018 from these different perspectives and concludes that even if there were some benefits, so much more could have been achieved.