https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3339 2026-04-14T17:17:44Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145268 Title: Trusted truth Abstract: In this graduation oration delivered at the University of Malta, Dr Marie-Louise Mangion explores the intertwined concepts of truth and trust in higher education and public life. Drawing on philosophical traditions and her own field of public policy, she argues that truth-seeking in scholarship extends beyond research protocols to include academic freedom, integrity, transparency, and ethical responsibility. The speech emphasises the university’s role in creating an environment where truth can emerge and be communicated, especially in the context of AI-generated content. It calls on graduates in Public Policy Leadership, Knowledge-based Entrepreneurship, Economics, Business Administration, Management, Insurance and Risk Management, and Mediterranean Studies to act as informed, inquisitive citizens who uphold truth through competence and integrity, thereby building trust in institutions and society. The oration concludes with Einstein’s reminder of the duty not to conceal any part of recognised truth. 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145267 Title: Proceedings of the Mediterranean tourism knowledge exchange and policy forum : Amidst Rapid Transformational Shift (ARTS) – Book of abstracts Authors: Buhalis, Dimitrios; Brandão, Filipa; Mangion, Marie-Louise; Efthymiou, Leonidas Abstract: The Mediterranean region connects Southern Europe, Northern Africa and the Middle East and is indeed a very specific and sensitive context, geographically, politically, economically, culturally and ecologically. It is a region that deserves more attention as context and location matter greatly for tourism. We need to better understand what goes on in this region: the complexity of the system, the interconnections and interdependencies, the trends, developments and global challenges that impact this sensitive region, and how all this affects people’s lives now and in the future. This academic conference focuses on tourism as an activity that is entirely dependent on the landscapes, the scenic beauty, the nature, the history, the cultures, the languages that cocreate such diverse experiences within destinations. As we increasingly recognise that we need to strengthen the social foundation that provides life’s essentials to people and the need to respect Earth’s limitations and boundaries, we need to rethink the way we manage resources and the way we behave. In parallel, there are market transformations taking place, driven by technology, consumer preferences, business ecosystems and global challenges. All this requires leadership and policy shifts that facilitate the transition that destinations require. Smart destinations use tourism as a catalyst for regenerative development, ensuring that value is cocreated sustainably and shared equitably among the different stakeholders. The Mediterranean Tourism Knowledge Exchange and Policy Conference within the 9th Mediterranean Tourism Forum framework acts as a platform to empower the exchange of knowledge and support policy and leadership. In this second edition of the conference, 110 researchers from 23 countries, spread across 5 continents, are coming together to present and discuss over 50 scholarly papers. Seven main themes emerged for discussion during the conference, namely: Sustainability, development policy and planning, business ecosystem, technology, gastronomy, inclusion and marketing. They reflect both the opportunities for growth, innovation, and collaboration, as well as the challenges related to environmental preservation, cultural heritage management, and socio-economic development that the Mediterranean region faces. We welcome Sandra Carvao, Director, Market Intelligence, Policies and Competitiveness at UNTourism and globally recognized scholars: Godfrey Baldacchino and Marie Avellino, University of Malta; Carlos Costa, University of Aveiro, Portugal; Eduardo Parra-López, Universidad de La Laguna, Spain; Valeria Minghetti, Università Ca' Foscari Venezia, Italy and Cleopatra Veloutsou, University of Glasgow, UK. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Andrew Agius Muscat for his exceptional leadership and for granting us the opportunity to organise this research conference within the framework of the Mediterranean Tourism Forum and Foundation. We also sincerely appreciate the invaluable organizational support provided by Tonio Cini, Mona Khalilieh, and Mattia Agius Muscat. We look forward to engaging in meaningful and impactful discussions that will drive positive outcomes and contribute to the sustainable growth and regenerative development of Mediterranean tourism. 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145264 Title: Connections and conflicts in tourism development in the second half of the 20th century : insights from Malta Authors: Mangion, Marie-Louise Abstract: Tourism builds relationships. In that process, connections are created, nurtured and developed. In parallel, conflicts arise. Destinations that experience an excessive population density and high tourism intensity, as in the case of Malta, are more prone to tighter connections and tougher conflicts. This chapter explores and reflects on connections and conflicts that arose as Malta developed its tourism activity in the second half of the 20th century. It provides a brief overview of Malta’s tourism evolution during the last four decades of the 20th century. It then identifies and discusses the three key connections built during this period to stimulate tourism (connection with the past and the land; connection with market players; connection with the community). Related conflicts (resource conflict; the lure of mass tourism vs other forms of tourism; national interest vs private interest) are explored. The chapter concludes with reflections on these connections and conflicts in view of future tourism development. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145261 Title: Proceedings of The Mediterranean tourism knowledge exchange and policy conference 2025 : Mediterranean SEA - Sustainability - Experience - Artificial Intelligence – Book of abstracts Authors: Buhalis, Dimitrios; Brandão, Filipa; Mangion, Marie-Louise; Efthymiou, Leonidas Abstract: The third Mediterranean Tourism Knowledge Exchange and Policy Conference, held in Malta, in November 2025, engaged in conversations on the Mediterranean Sea - on Sustainability, Experiences and AI. Over 40 scholarly papers were presented and discussed, reflecting on the challenges of achieving sustainability, the experiences of different actors involved in tourism and the changing dynamics brought about by artificial intelligence. The papers on sustainability primarily examined diverse approaches to sustainable development, encompassing governance frameworks, regenerative tourism models, participatory practices, corporate social responsibility (CSR), education, and entrepreneurship. In addition, some studies concentrated on specific dimensions of sustainability, including cultural and heritage tourism as well as coastal and marine conservation. A recurring theme across much of this scholarship was a critical interrogation of economic growth and the mechanisms employed to manage it. Research addressing the notion of experience in tourism emphasised its inherently multi-layered and multi-dimensional character. Experiences, it was argued, were shaped by initial perceptions, organisational structures and stewardship, social interactions, and the differentiation of tourism products, amongst other factors. Within the thematic focus on artificial intelligence in tourism, stakeholder perceptions and the heterogeneous responses of industry actors to technological innovation were investigated. Areas of inquiry included automation and the dynamics of trust between humans and machines, the integration of immersive digital environments, and the ethical implications associated with the adoption of AI technologies. For this conference, we welcomed Sara Dolnicar, from the University of Queensland, Australia, Carlos Costa, University of Aveiro, Portugal, Marco Valeri, Cusano University, Italy, Alexis Papathanassis, Bremerhaven University of Applied Science, Germany, Marco Antonio Robledo Camacho, University of the Balearic Islands, Spain and Aradhana Khowala, CEO of Aptamind Partners, London, UK. We would like to thank Andrew Agius Muscat and his team, including Tonio Cini, Mona Khalilieh, and Mattia Agius Muscat, for the organisational support provided and for hosting this research conference within the framework of the Mediterranean Tourism Forum and Foundation. Together, at the Mediterranean Tourism Knowledge Exchange and Policy Conference within the framework of the 10th Mediterranean Tourism Forum, we aspire to spark transformative conversations that inspire policy, action, strengthen collaboration, and pave the way in the Mediterranean SEA towards sustainability, meaningful experiences, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z