The Malta Food Agency has partnered with the University of Malta on an innovative project that explores the intersection of food, history, and maritime heritage within the Grand Harbour.
Led by the Department of Tourism Management within the University’s Faculty of Economics, Management & Accountancy, the initiative seeks to uncover and develop food-related narratives deeply connected to the harbour. While Malta’s culturalstorytelling has traditionally focused on land-based history, this project shifts the spotlight to the Grand Harbour as a dynamic and often overlooked source of historical insight.
The research will delve into compelling episodes from Malta’s past, including the clandestine smuggling of grain under the cover of darkness and the recovery of sunken food supplies during periods of scarcity. These stories illustrate how food has long been tied not only to the land, but also to maritime activity, survival, and resilience.
Through this collaboration, the Malta Food Agency is supporting a fresh and immersive approach to interpreting the Grand Harbour’s history, using food as a powerful lens to better understand place, identity, and heritage.
The project is being carried out in collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority, with a strong focus on both academic research and practical industry application. Key components of the initiative include data collection from quality tourists, the training of two specialised guides, and the publication of a book compiling these narratives for use within the tourism sector.
By transforming these historical insights into tangible tourism experiences, the project aims to enrich Malta’s cultural offering while contributing to ongoing national investment in the Grand Harbour area.