“Malta is a big island with a big heart beating in the heart of Mare Nostrum. This unique geo-political situation throughout history has
made Malta desirable for many rulers”
I: The Foundation and the Forum
are looking at ways to make the Med
more attractive and to make tourism grow to lessen hatred, fear and
intolerance. How possible is this—
is it all utopian dreaming?
TH: It would not be utopian
dreaming if there was awareness inside each human being that we can
all do something and make it possible for peace—or at least for more
peace—to reign. Everybody, civil
society, religious establishments,
opinion makers and governments,
should unite and shout out how
much better our world could be if
we all strive towards that aim.
Undoubtedly, a better understanding between all human beings on
earth would establish an everlasting
peace, reduce poverty and annihilate violence and terrorism. Our
travels would be more instructive,
more pleasant and our business
more productive.
Let’s work together for this without
pessimism or sense of defeat.
INSIDER SPECIAL EDITION
I: Malta is but a tiny dot—what
does it mean to you? And what
about the people who run the
organisations connected to tourism, journalism and others?
TH: Malta is a big island with a big
heart beating in the heart of Mare
Nostrum. This unique geo-political situation throughout history has made Malta desirable
for many rulers: Phoenicians,
Carthaginians, Arabs, Ottomans
and even the French.
Again thanks to its wonderful situation, Malta and the Maltese have a
tremendous role to play in the Euro-Mediterranean region. We still
remember for example that Malta
started the process for the inauguration of the Euro-Mediterranean
Parliamentary Assembly.
During my career I have made
many Maltese friends from the
political and business world.
Organising for the fourth year a
Mediterranean Tourism forum
from which will emerge a Mediterranean Tourism Foundation
is proof that Malta is fulfilling
much more than any other country, big or small, could achieve.
I: A message for people who are
considering joining the tourism
world?
TH: My message is that the world
of tourism is a wonderful world
because it offers you the opportunity to work in an industry which
is human-centric. In tourism you
meet wonderful people and realise that from interconnecting
with others you complete yourself.
I: And what lies in the future according to you?
TH: Being optimistic by nature, I
am hoping for the best. I am sure
that, one day or other, reason will
prevail and love for life will defeat
the sewers of death.
2015
77