https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/4608 2026-04-21T02:17:01Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145757 Title: The good, the bad and the ugly : analysing the relationship between tourism and Malta’s property market in highly touristic areas Abstract: This study seeks to analyse the relationship between tourism and Malta’s property market through an analysis of four observations: i) the influence of tourism on property value from a rental and a sales point of view ii) the concept of residential tourism by focusing on special designated area projects iii) the emerging trends in relation to tourist accommodation and iv) the concept of sustainability in both industries. While providing a better insight into the relationship between the two industries, this study aims to develop an understanding for policy makers, to address several limitations currently present. To analyse the relationship between the two, existing literature was reviewed, and the four established observations were analysed. To ascertain a justified analysis, a qualitative research method was followed. Interviews with individuals who are considered as professionals within at least one of the industries were held to gather their opinions and arguments. The general findings on the established observations show that i) Tourism influences and contributes to a rise in property value from a rental and sales perspective. ii) Although the potential of residential tourism is recognised, the study suggests that Malta seems to be attracting foreign investors who buy property without usage, leaving it vacant until being re sold. iii) To attract European citizens and third country nationals in becoming residential tourists, Special Designated Area projects are being developed, offering several amenities and a holistic experience. On the other hand, the surrounding areas of these projects are in a poor state concluding that Malta is not living up to its potential. iv) The short-let market has been identified as one of the new emerging trends in relation to tourist accommodation. While it benefits a number of homeowners, it is considered as one of the main drivers leading to an inflation in property prices. v) Another identified tourist accommodation trend were boutique hotels. Being profitable is a challenge however, this trend instilled regeneration and improved the overall experience of certain areas including Valletta. vi) From a sustainability perspective, Malta must seriously consider the potential over-supply of tourist beds. vii) Pre-covid, the growth rate of tourism and Malta’s property market was not sustainable. Now that Malta is recovering from the pandemic, it is suggested that its strategy must be re-considered with the aim of having a realistic and a sustainable growth rate. Description: B.A. (Hons)(Melit.) 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145756 Title: Analysing the needs of the tourists and locals in relation to the development of a mobile application for the Malta International Airport Abstract: This long essay sets out to understand whether there is the need for a mobile application as part of the Malta International Airport’s marketing strategy. The objective of the researcher was to identify the needs of tourists and locals, through the co-creation process, and analyse the impact of using a mobile application on an individuals’ airport experience. This was done since the Malta International Airport is always seeking opportunities to enhance customer satisfaction and experience, and the researcher believed that based on a literature review, such communication tool can be one way of enhancing the customers level of satisfaction. The data gathering tools used for this study were online and in-person surveys, through the use of a quantitative approach. These surveys were aimed at both foreign and local individuals to reach relevant and better results. The researcher used SPSS to analyse a total of 333 responses, of which 80% were Maltese and the remaining foreign nationalities, with most of the responses being collected online. Additionally, the researcher, allowed for responses in a semi-qualitative approach since it allowed the respondents to provide further answers which were not pre-determined in the survey. These were then analysed through thematic analysis. The results show that there is in fact a positive relationship between a mobile application and customer satisfaction, due to three main themes, including, easily accessible information, planning ahead - leading to reduced levels of stress, and a more personalised experience. Also, it was concluded that such communication tool would be welcomed by most airport visitors. Based on the customers’ needs, the main features to be included in the implementation of such app include, a virtual map of the airport, live flight updates, security waiting times, a live chat, and discounts or exclusive offers from shops available in the airport, amongst others. Description: B.A. (Hons)(Melit.) 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145582 Title: The influence of nostalgic films on consumer choice movie-induced tourism : a Harry Potter case study Abstract: Nostalgia and film form the basis of this study, by exhibiting the experiences and views of Maltese individuals who have grown up watching the Harry Potter films and visited the United Kingdom. Films are a source of visual representation, upon which it provides information on destinations, creates a sense of awareness, initiates interest, incites desires and formulates specific destination images, which in turn results in decision making. By analysing the element of nostalgia as a motivational driver in tourism, the study provides insight into the reasoning behind consumers’ choice in visitation. A qualitative case study research method, specifically focus groups, was adopted, utilising self-designed questions. The researcher examined and analysed first-hand views and experiences from six participants who grew up watching the Harry Potter films and had previously travelled to the United Kingdom (UK). Factors such as film tourism, nostalgia pertaining the Harry Potter film series, travel motives and perceptions of the UK were studied. Secondary data, through literature collected from books and academic journals, further credited the research. The results indicate that nostalgic motivational drivers influence consumers’ choice in visitation. However it is not as distinguishable as other motivational factors, which more adequately embody one’s self-identity presently. Yet the pull that familiarity and nostalgic sentiments play in consumer’s choice and visitation to certain sites, which encapsulate the undertone of a nostalgic film (in this case the Harry Potter films), lead the researcher to integrate a new category in Croy and Heitmann’s (2011) film tourist typology, which centres around the concept of nostalgic motivational drivers, based on cultural significance and personal meaningfulness of one’s life experiences, acting as a source of self-identity and how one reconvenes with their memories. The study concludes that the influence of films acts as an image formation agent to one’s perception of a place; that even though it may be a romanticised depiction, it entices people to visit the place. Nonetheless, the exposure to other information sources creates an alternate image of place that is more representational of the true nature of the UK. Recommendations for future research to further evaluate the new category proposed in Croy and Heitmann’s typology is provided, while supplementary studies that would close the gaps in film tourism and motivational drivers are addressed in the conclusion. Description: B.A. (Hons)(Melit.) 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145438 Title: Slow tourism for sustainable development in Malta through cultural heritage Abstract: Tourism is a key economic pillar for the Maltese economy, encompassing various niche sectors, one of which is the emerging area of slow tourism. This form of tourism is not available everywhere, and many travellers are unfamiliar with the concept. In this study, Birgu is taken as a case study to explore whether slow tourism associated with cultural heritage could serve as an alternative model of sustainable development in Malta and whether tourists are interested and aware of such a term. The primary conclusion that results from the research conducted is that slow tourism associated with cultural heritage can serve as an alternative model of sustainable development tourism in Malta, and specifically Birgu, due to various reasons, including the nature of touristic sites and the infrastructure in place already. Additionally, it was also concluded that tourists coming to Malta are interested in experiencing the Islands adopting a slow tourism approach that highlights Malta’s cultural heritage, bringing along with it a number of key advantages, even from an environmental and sustainable point of view. Data was gathered through a mixed method approach, using qualitative and quantitative data collection. For the qualitative part, interviews were held with stakeholders, while for the quantitative part, research questionnaires were distributed to tourists in Birgu. The sample chosen for the questionnaires mainly consisted of people who were on holiday on their own with their family or friends rather than with a tour guide and a large group of tourists. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z