I
t
was fitting that the whole idea of
the foundation started in one of
the smallest countries, Malta. But
this was not by chance. Malta is
the smallest EU member and its
dependency on tourism is higher
than practically any other member
state’s. The MHRA has been one of
the main forces behind the story of
tourism in Malta this last half century and more.
The MHRA has always been a believer in its members—the ones
who, even when tourism was just
a dream in most people’s mind,
built an industry which has grown
to be the main pillar of the islands’
economy. The MHRA has always
believed in the industry and always
was a step ahead in its thinking and
in its designs. Initially just a talking
shop between the owners of tour-
ism-related outlets, the MHRA
expanded its vision, became an effective talking shop and then transformed itself into one of the country’s major organisations.
But it remained inward-looking,
concerning itself with local issues,
fighting and pushing for more recognition that the organisation represented the most vibrant sector
of the Maltese economy. It fought
for and brought huge changes and
Malta and its people flourished. As
tourism grew so did Malta’s economy, which recently has become
ever more reliant on services, thus
giving even more impetus to the
MHRA vision regarding tourism.
Then the MHRA vision spread
even further—to the Mediterranean, acting as leader and catalyst
for something which could group
leaders from all sectors of one of
the most important regions in the
world.
Jean Monnet (left) joking with Robert Schuman. Monnet's political understanding of
energy matters is perhaps first best exposed via his collaboration with Schuman on the
Monnet Plan of 1945.
...the MHRA
expanded its vision,
became an effective
talking shop and
then transformed
itself into one of
the country’s major
organisations
This bigger picture of not just
looking inwardly at Malta but going beyond our shores was at first
considered slightly mad, a dream
hard to achieve. But, with all visions, the hard work and the effort
put behind the idea make them
flourish. And even if these are still
the first steps of a grand dream, a
grand Mediterranean design, the
indications are all there that it is
doable and people from all walks
of life and countries are flocking to
be part of it or to listen to what the
Foundation has to say.
The Foundation is a grouping of
people who will bring in not just a
wealth of experience but also a new
way of looking at tourism in a region which saw the birth of western
civilization.
The central tenet of the Foundation is that tourism helps build a
new stock of people who treasure
national characteristic differences but accept, in fact enjoy, other
peoples’ own uniqueness. Tourism
brings down frontiers, barriers,
and kills prejudice. By going to
different countries we all learn that
we can respect and live with others
and with their ideas; and by accepting tourists in our own countries
INSIDER SPECIAL EDITION
2015
23