The tempting underground : the use of underground spaces of Valletta for heritage tourism experiences

Abstract

The research aims at focussing on the potential of Valletta's underground for heritage tourism experiences and to find new ways of making cultural activities. Many underground spaces in Valletta have already been converted in various types of venues such as charming wine bars, unconventional spaces for exhibitions or touristic attraction. However, according to Maltese specialists in the field, Valletta's underground has much more potential to offer as there are many subterranean places to be uncovered and also the use of the current underground spaces can be enhanced. The study attempts to document the activities that are currently happening around the underground, both locally and internationally. The underground of Valletta has increasingly attracted interest amongst locals following certain initiatives that have taken place during the past decade and which are being reported in this study. Through interviews made to experts in the domain, the study identifies certain unexploited underground locations that can be potentially used for heritage tourism experiences. The paper reviews interesting ideas of how these spaces can be used and the issues that need to be addressed in the pursuit of making them accessible, also suggesting how such spaces should be presented to the public, discussing the concept of authenticity. Finally it seeks to consider possible recommendations of setting up a framework to define the responsibility or ownership of the underground in Valletta with the aim of protecting, conserving and promoting these spaces.