https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148778 Tue, 29 Sep 2026 21:47:17 GMT 2026-09-29T21:47:17Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149128 Title: Perspettivi : a Gozo Review : issue 8 Abstract: Table of Contents:; - Islands in the European Union - Mario Borg;; - Unlocking Gozo’s maritime tourism potential : a public-private partnership approach to an ultra luxury cruise port development - Joseph Dingli;; - The Malta-Gozo air service : part III : the furore over an airfield - Joseph Bezzina;; - An evaluation of willingness to pay for sustainable accommodation in Gozo - Elena Rapa Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149128 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149127 Title: Islands in the European Union Abstract: This paper discusses European islands' distinctive traits and difficulties, and how they were captured over the years the European Union legislative framework. The paper begins with definitional and classification challenges, noting the lack of a harmonised framework due to island size, population, and government variety. It uses Eurostat typologies to describe the size and distribution of EU islands, which number over 2,200 inhabited areas with over 20 million persons. The paper then examines how insularity and smallness shape island economies and explores how such structural constraints can potential cause market inefficiencies and vulnerability to external shocks. Against this background, the paper examines the evolution of island recognition in EU treaties and policy frameworks and makes an argument for more explicit acknowledgement of islands’ reality in the European Union policies and strategies. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149127 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149125 Title: Unlocking Gozo’s maritime tourism potential : a public-private partnership approach to an ultra luxury cruise port development Abstract: Gozo’s maritime potential remains underutilised. This work examines how the island can unlock maritime tourism value through a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) approach to a boutique cruise solution tailored to small, luxury and ultra-luxury vessels. Motivated by Mġarr Harbour’s limits, the island’s environmental sensitivities and seasonality, the study tests what blend of governance, infrastructure and policy can deliver growth without compromising Gozo’s distinctive natural and cultural assets. A qualitative, interpretivist approach is adopted. Eighteen semi structured interviews were conducted with high-profile and experienced stakeholders. Data is analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, with iterative coding and memoing, to generate themes and identify convergences and divergences in stakeholder perspectives. Three findings stand out. First, there is market fit for niche maritime tourism. Gozo’s heritage, compact scale and dedicated shore excursion potential align with these luxury segments. Second, governance risk is a major issue in project implementation, undermining investor confidence. Third, environmental stewardship is a necessary precondition for social licence. This study concludes that nature-sensitive infrastructure, anchored in a proposed Gozo Ports Authority, offers a feasible pathway. A distributed mooring system, a removable floating pier, and upgraded tender facilities and visitor amenities, can improve cruise-call reliability and visitor yield without heavy marine construction. This study also recommends a Gozo-level tourism satellite account study and a carrying-capacity framework. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149125 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149123 Title: The Malta-Gozo air service : part III : the furore over an airfield Abstract: This is the third part of a study outlining the early endeavours for the provision of a permanent airlink between Malta and Gozo. The first part outlined the early attempts to provide this service; the second part proceeded with a review of the attempts to launch this airlink by helicopter. A trail service finally took off on 27 June 1990 and it was resumed the following year. Those cherishing the welfare of the Gozitans urged the hastening of the next step – an airfield for fixed-wing aircraft that would cut both costs and fares. For several weeks, the correspondence columns of local newspapers, overflowed with opinions about the project. Many were critical rather than supportive; the majority jumped to fallacious conclusions. The airlink was however upgraded with the extension of the landing area and the building of a proper helicopter terminal. The discussion in the meantime rages on. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149123 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z