The city belongs to its people,” says Valletta Mayor Olaf McKay. In our latest blog, Petra Galea Debono sits down with Mayor McKay to explore how Valletta is redefining what it means to be a living, breathing capital – sustainable, inclusive, and unapologetically authentic. He also shares with Petra his aspirations for the city’s future.

PERSONAL

Tell us about Are you born and raised in Valletta? What inspired your journey to becoming the Mayor of Valletta?

My name is Olaf McKay, married to Lydia with 2 children, Keane and Kyle.

Valletta is my roots, my community, the place that shaped who I am today. I come from a humble, hard-working family, where I learned that honesty, respect for others, and unity are the true foundations for a meaningful life. When I decided to run for Mayor, I always believed deeply that Valletta can be a better place for our community, I did so with a community centric approach, a clear vision, for Valletta and a true sense of responsibility toward its people. I wasn’t inspired by titles or recognition, I was inspired by a duty to give back to the city and community that gave me everything. As Mayor, my goal has always been simple: to put the people of Valletta first, to be their voice, and to help shape a city that we can all be proud to call home

Give us a little insider secret: How would you spend a day off in Valletta? Do you have a favourite venue, restaurant, bar, activity… etc in the city?

 I would start the morning with a coffee in one of Valletta’s charming cafés, soaking in the early hours of the city. I would walk through Valletta’s historic streets, from St.

George’s Square to the Upper Barrakka, visit St. John’s Cathedral, then explore underground Valletta, feeling the heartbeat of a city alive with history.

Lunch would be at a local restaurant where you can truly feel the city’s spirit around you. Later, if time allows, I would enjoy dropping by an art exhibition or cultural event because Valletta, to me, is not just our capital, but the cultural soul of Malta. The perfect day would end somewhere relaxed, watching the sunset from Marsamxett, surrounded by locals and visitors, all coming together, living and breathing the real Valletta.

INTRO

 Describe the current state of Valletta vis-a-vis tourism

Valletta, Malta’s capital, is experiencing a dynamic and thriving tourism landscape in 2025. The city continues to captivate visitors with its rich history, vibrant culture, and modern amenities. Malta’s tourism sector achieved a significant milestone in 2024, welcoming a record 3.56 million inbound tourists, a 19.5% increase over the previous year. This surge in visitors contributed to a 23.1% rise in total tourist expenditure, reaching €3.3 billion, with an average spend of €924 per visitor. Valletta, as the nation’s capital, plays a central role in this growth. The city’s blend of historical landmarks, cultural events, and modern infrastructure attracts a diverse range of tourists from niche cultural enthusiasts and history buffs to mainstream visitors looking for an authentic Mediterranean experience.

Can you identify the areas that still require improvement?

 Absolutely. While Valletta is a city full of life, history, and character, there are areas where we must improve on and I’m fully committed to that. First, we must continue enhancing the quality of everyday life for residents. Valletta is a vibrant city, but sometimes the balance between commercial activity and residential needs isn’t quite right. We need stronger enforcement on issues like noise control, waste management, and use of public spaces, ensuring that families, elderly residents, and young people feel respected in their own city.

Accessibility remains a challenge. We need to make Valletta a truly accessible city for everyone, our public spaces should reflect a city that’s open, barrier-free, and inclusive. There is no room for excuses-our commitment is one of zero tolerance.

Sustainability must be at the heart of everything we do. Cleaner streets, greener initiatives, more open spaces where families can breathe and relax, this is what I want for Valletta, we need to continue investing in community spirit: giving more voice to residents, strengthening youth engagement, and offering opportunities for our elderly to stay active and connected.

VISION

What is your long-term vision for Valletta, for example, over the next 10 years? Where will Valletta be in 2035?

 My long-term vision for Valletta is clear: by 2035, I want our capital to be a model city sustainable, inclusive, vibrant, and proudly rooted in its identity.

I see a Valletta where residents come first: a municipality, where people of all ages feel they belong, with clean public spaces, more green areas, and streets that are safer, quieter, and more accessible. By 2035, Valletta must be a leader in smart urban living, embracing technology for better mobility, waste management, security, and services, while protecting our unique heritage. We will strike the right balance between innovation and tradition, ensuring that the heartbeat of Valletta its culture, its history, its community remains strong. Culturally, I want Valletta to continue thriving as a cultural capital, not just for Malta but internationally: hosting world- class festivals, supporting local artists, and nurturing the soul of our city. But above all, my vision is for a city of unity: where economic growth never comes at the expense of the quality of life of our residents.

How do you see Valletta evolving as a capital city while preserving its unique heritage?

Valletta is evolving as a modern capital while carefully preserving its unique heritage, striking a balance between urban development and historical conservation. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city’s layout and architecture originally designed by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century remain largely intact, with strict regulations protecting its baroque streetscapes, fortifications, and iconic landmarks such as St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grand Master’s Palace. At the same time, Valletta is embracing contemporary roles and amenities. Restoration efforts have revitalised historic buildings into boutique hotels, museums, cultural venues, and residences, ensuring they remain functional without compromising authenticity. Projects like Renzo Piano’s City Gate and the Parliament Building have added modern architectural elements that complement, rather than compete with, the city’s historic fabric. Culturally, Valletta has become a vibrant centre for arts, music, and festivals particularly since its designation as European Capital of Culture in 2018 which helped reinvigorate interest in its traditions and fostered a growing creative economy. The city’s pedestrianisation, infrastructure upgrades, and commitment to sustainable tourism further support this evolution.

 Personal Question – What legacy do you hope to leave as mayor of Valletta ?

 A Valletta for all were we strike a balance between the residents community, business and entertainment community. Where every child growing up in Valletta feels proud, secure, and full of opportunity, with unity, courage, and hard work, we will get there. Together.

SUSTAINABILITY 

Sustainability is a key focus for many cities.   What specific sustainability projects or policies are underway in Valletta ?

One of the main important projects that the Government of Malta implemented was the shore-to-ship project. A transformative project that introduces shore-to-ship electricity systems for cruise liners visiting Malta. This initiative promises to slash 90% of air pollution in the Grand Harbour.

Sustainability is not a slogan for us in Valletta – it is a daily commitment. We have several concrete initiatives already underway, all aimed at building a greener, healthier, and more liveable city.

One of our main pillars is waste management and cleanliness. We’ve introduced high-tech AI surveillance cameras in key areas to combat illegal dumping and irregular parking, ensuring a cleaner and safer environment.

On the urban level, we’re working towards smarter, greener public spaces. We are planning to create more pedestrian zones, introduce more green landscaping in our squares, and promote urban regeneration that respects Valletta’s unique heritage.

Another important step is our commitment to accessible public transport and sustainable mobility. We have started offering free local transport services for older adults, and with Transport Malta we’re studying ways to reduce car congestion by improving parking management and encouraging alternative transport

We also prioritize community-driven green projects: initiatives like ECO VALLETTA that reinvest commercial contributions back into resident-focused projects, like improving public gardens, restoring historical public spaces, and investing in eco-friendly infrastructure. We still have a lot of work to do – but with every step, we are building a Valletta that is cleaner, greener, and truly sustainable for all.

How do you support residents (locals), local artisans as part of the Valletta eco-system and product?

Residents and local artisans are at the core of Valletta’s identity. We invest in services that directly support families and older adults, create cultural spaces like artisan markets to promote local talent, and ensure that commercial success gives back to the community. From the very first day I was elected, I knew Valletta needed one strong, unified cultural programme and that is why we work closely with the Valletta Cultural Agency. Having fragmented cultural initiatives only creates confusion, unnecessary segmentation and logistical issues. I wanted to ensure we stayed focused, coordinated, and committed to delivering one outstanding cultural programme for everyone

Is there any scope/possibility for adding drink water fountains around the city?

Absolutely. Introducing more drinking water fountains across Valletta especially in open spaces, is something I fully support. It promotes public health, sustainability, and reduces the use of plastic bottles.

What role do you see for local residents and associations in shaping Valletta’s future?

 A city without its people at the centre isn’t really alive. I believe Valletta’s future must be built hand-in-hand with our residents and associations. They’re the ones who know every corner, every challenge, every opportunity. For me, it’s simple: Valletta will only thrive if we shape it together through dialogue, trust, and a shared vision. By establishing a Youth Advisory Council that represents a cross-section of young people from diverse backgrounds, including students, professionals, and community leaders. This council can provide direct input on policy proposals and decisions affecting youth, such as education, housing, employment, and urban development.

ATTRACTIONS 

What makes an experience in Valletta so authentic in your opinion ?

 In Valletta, history isn’t something you just visit, it’s something you live. Here, the past and present walk side by side, creating an authentic experience that you can truly feel in every street and every moment.

Which Points of Interest in Valletta do you think are not getting enough attention if any?

Sometimes, the real soul of Valletta hides in the places you don’t find on postcards. Spots like the Lower Barrakka Gardens, the quiet hidden chapels, and the small artisan shops tucked away in side streets are full of life and stories. They might not have the crowds, but they have the true spirit of our city. I believe these are the corners, areas we need to celebrate more, because they’re what make Valletta unforgettable.

Are we getting enough mileage from all the Points of Interest (even the ones off the beaten track) ?

 I believe that there are still hidden Gems in Valletta which are still unnoticed and its our commitment to make sure that we promote and preserve certain points of interest which are still unnoticed.

Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage site with many historic attractions. How do you balance promoting tourism with protecting the city’s cultural assets ?

 Valletta has made conscious efforts to strike a balance between promoting tourism and protecting its cultural assets, a challenge for many historic cities that depend heavily on tourism but risk being overwhelmed by it. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Valletta is protected by planning and conservation regulations overseen by the Planning Authority and Superintendence of Cultural Heritage. These rules limit alterations to historical buildings and control new developments to ensure they align with the city’s architectural and cultural context. Rather than demolishing or drastically altering old buildings, Valletta encourages adaptive reuse. Historic properties are being restored and repurposed as boutique hotels, cultural venues, museums, and residences. For example, the restoration of the MUŻA (Museum of Fine Arts) and Casa Rocca Piccola maintains the heritage while making them accessible to the public. The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) promotes quality over quantity by targeting cultural travellers, digital nomads, and off-season visitors rather than mass summer tourism. This helps distribute tourism more evenly throughout the year and reduces pressure on infrastructure and local life during peak months. Valletta has restricted car access and expanded pedestrian zones to reduce congestion and improve the quality of life for residents and tourists alike. Public spaces like Republic Street and Triton Fountain Square have been redesigned to enhance accessibility and aesthetics while preserving their historical character.

What new initiatives are being planned to enhance Valletta’s appeal to tourists?

 We don’t just want people to see Valletta, we want them to feel it, experience it. That’s why we’re planning more authentic cultural experiences, community-led events, and greener, more welcoming public spaces. Aligned with Malta’s Vision 2050, we are committed to creating a tourism experience that is sustainable, high- quality, and deeply respectful of our heritage. Our goal is to ensure that every visitor contributes positively to Valletta’s cultural, environmental, and social landscape. Tourists should leave with a piece of Valletta in their heart.

Photos by : Shaun Spiteri