Opportunities and challenges for rural tourism in the rural development programme 2007-2013 for Malta : lessons from the Valle d'Aosta region in Italy's experience

Abstract

Compared to other EU Countries such as Italy, Malta is relatively new to the use of EU funding and implementation of innovative projects especially under the Rural Development Programme. This dissertation describes the relationship between agriculture and tourism in its various forms, especially rural, in light of what emerges from Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 of Valle D' Aosta in Italy. In particular, the way in which the Region of Valle D' Aosta in Italy managed to use EU funds to develop rural tourism in Italy is studied, and implications are drawn forwhether this success story to be replicated in Malta. Agricultural practices contribute to rural tourism by protecting, enhancing and managing the rural resources. However, farmers cannot manage the countryside without Government intervention. Obviously, these new activities will result into new added costs to farmers which can be covered through EU funds in the form of financial assistance especially under the initiatives of the EU Structural Funds. This integration of agricultural and non-agricultural activities in rural areas will be done through economic diversification which requires farmers to participate in various activities to protect, enhance and create recreation activities in the countryside for rural tourism. Such activities include; wine making and vineyards; production of olive oil and olive pressing activities; production and sale of traditional agricultural products; horse riding activities; renting of traditional farmhouses; and regeneration of degraded habitats and landscape management amongst others. In order tor this sector to be able to compete with other sectors, it needs huge promotion which will be done through the Local Action Groups under the LEADER programme.