https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/118801 Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:54:31 GMT 2026-07-20T12:54:31Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/4459 Title: Malta's three star hotel sector : analysing the possibilities of branding and new product development : an intra-sector perspective. Abstract: This study aims to discover what the intra-three star hotel sector views regarding the possibility of creating a brand for the segment are and what can be referred to as encapsulating the sector's image together with identifying what its strengths are which could be used for purposes of branding. Moreover, the research also intends to explore what the opinion regarding three star hotels' current product is and whether there is a possibility to specialise into a particular hotel type and develop a new offer. The research is based on the data collected from questionnaires and interviews with managers of three star hotels given a number of limitations encountered which are elaborated in the dissertation. The results indicate that the sector does not consider there to be a possibility for the three star hotels coming together for purposes of developing and being represented by one brand, the reason being the degree of competition between the hotels which is extremely high among other reasons. The image and strengths identified mostly revolve around the sector's personalised, customer-oriented service, hotels being family run together with the cost aspect, namely the lower prices charged. Even though the sector recognises the need to upgrade the hotels' product offer, its views are rather uncertain as to whether specialising would bring benefits. Likewise, its outlooks are rather confounding as to what the new product should include in order to distinguish itself from other hotel categories. This implies that the three star hotel sector may need some assistance in the exploration of possible ideas and their eventual generation vis-à-vis branding and new product development. Even though the views expressed weigh more on the negative side, and are rather confounding, this research nonetheless provides a step closer to the topic under study and towards further possibilities for research in the field. Description: B.A.(HONS)TOURISM Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/4459 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/4411 Title: The importance of branding and images : Malta as an English learning destination Abstract: Branding and images have long been popular research topics in general. However, these were rarely investigated in relation to the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) sector, especially in Malta. Hitherto, TEFL has become an important niche market (MTA, 2004: 11) and aught to receive more academic attention. Therefore, the main objective of this dissertation was to show the ways Malta is currently being advertised by different language schools as an English learning destination. To do this, a semiotic analysis of six adverts used by six different English Language schools operating in Malta was conducted whereby linguistic, typographic and visual signs were all analysed to show the way in which Malta is being portrayed. It was found that the current assortment of adverts used by English language schools is promoting Malta inarticulately. Moreover, the analysis has also shown that the adverts analysed do not integrate nor promote the top qualities of Malta which make it competitive as an English Learning destination. It was therefore proposed that all the stakeholders in the TEFL sector should cooperate and develop a brand projecting a single and creative image which can ultimately make Malta more competitive. A brand can ii incorporate all the values and strengths which produce the right images to satisfy consumers' functional and emotional needs. The image of this brand can be the single reason for why Malta would be chosen over other destinations and ensure long term success. Description: B.A.(HONS)TOURISM Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/4411 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3843 Title: Psychological aspects of labour supply in the Gozo catering sector Abstract: Tourism in Gozo is a strong generator of the demand for local goods and services. This has to be strongly backed up by a solid labour supply side. One of the most important sectors within the tourism industry in Gozo is the catering sector. People working within this sector engage in direct contact with the tourists frequently and play a major role in shaping out how the tourists experience the island. This sector is strongly characterized by long, irregular working hours and problems resulting from the seasonality issues that this island faces. By focusing on catering establishments that are independent from larger establishments, this dissertation explores the issues and motivational factors that affect labour supply in this sector. What is attracting people to work in the Gozo catering sector, while on the other hand, what is pushing them away? What inspires people to pursue a life-time career in this sector and what deters others from doing so? The aim of this dissertation was to explore in detail the factors, issues and reasons that affect the motivation to work in this sector, give a clear picture of the way in which it is perceived by the people involved and then put forward proposals and recommendations on how to foster positive motivations towards work in this sector. A series of interviews were conducted with the main stakeholders and a number of workers and ex-workers within this sector. It resulted that all those involved are conscious of how important tourism is for Gozo and the strategic role the catering sector plays in this industry. The findings show that people working in this sector are affected by issues such as seasonality, training conducted, working hours, career opportunities, job security and wages which are reflected in their type of motivat Description: B.A.(HONS)TOURISM Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3843 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3469 Title: Impact assessment of tourism development on Maltese sandy beaches Abstract: The limited natural resources of Maltese Islands are highly demanded by local and foreign visitors. Since the growth tourism industry in Malta, sandy beaches became centre of recreational activities and a major concentration of economic importance creating a great pressure on the environment. The individual examination of sandy beaches in the Islands and their physical and natural alterations due to increased pressure of various uses are not fully available. The need for specific analysis of each beach is indicated by the fact that every bay is different in its nature and type (e.g. rural, village or urban) and thus needs individual management approach. This study assessed four sandy beaches in the Maltese Islands identified construction-related development, replenishment projects and direct recreational use, as major impacts on the nature of the beaches, their sediment dynamics and other biotic communities. All of these impacts are directly or indirectly caused by tourism development. The origin, present state, physical aspects and beach management practices of the beaches under the study were examined and compared across beaches through a mixture of aerial photography, literature searches and sites visits. The pressure to which sandy beaches are exposed was assessed by identifying rates of urbanisation, especially tourism-related developments, and increased number of users' activities. An effective beach management, such as holistic and integrated management is required in order to minimize impacts of leisure industry and assure sustainability. Description: B.A.(HONS)TOURISM Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3469 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z