https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/30838 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:48:33 GMT 2026-04-07T21:48:33Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/33683 Title: The renovation of Strait Street : a past economic income, a potential tourist attraction Abstract: This research seeks to explore the rejuvination of Strait Street. This will asses the effects of this current development on the locals in Valletta and current businesses situated in Strait Street. In this study, tourists were also interviewed to discover their current knowledge about the street, if any. This data is needed to evaluate whether there is a demand for a street to be alive at night and whether it shall be aiming at local or foreign clients. The general findings of this research concluded that businesses are looking at a sustainable present and future and will continue to work together to transform Strait Street into a destination. The general locals’ perspective proved to be a positive one with some exceptions. On the other hand, tourists had little knowledge of the whereabouts of Strait Street. This suggests that the main clientele at the moment are mainly Maltese. That being said, hotels and boutique hotels in Valletta are increasing and also expected to open in Strait Street itself. This suggests that although this street is not a major tourist attraction, there is a high possibility that the number of tourists visiting this street may increase over the coming years. Description: B.A.(HONS)TOURISM Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/33683 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/33682 Title: Gender equality, or lack thereof, at managerial level in the local tourism sector Abstract: Within one generation, women in Malta have moved from the traditional role of home-maker and morphed into a role which sees them multi-tasking and wanting it all: a home, children and a career, on par with men. Bolstered by their evolving emancipation, national and EU legislation favouring a family-work balance, their hard-earned qualifications and training, women in Malta have become more career-driven. However, once women, with all their ducks in a row, aspire to a managerial post, statistics show that they are often either not recruited or passed over for promotion. Even when women and men occupy the same position and perform the same tasks, the gender pay gap is evident. Traditional cultural and societal values may be keeping women from advancing up the corporate ladder, in what is still a male-dominated environment, notwithstanding strides in women's advancement towards participating at the decision-making level. The situation of discrimination and gender inequality is also seen within the local tourism industry where, despite more generally favourable working conditions to compensate for its ever-evolving pace, seasonal nature and long day and night shifts, women find difficulty in breaking men' the “glass ceiling” and are traditionally pigeon-holed in low-paid, low level, culturally-stereotyped jobs. Employers within the local tourism industry may wish to make gender mainstreaming the focus of their strategies, thus enforcing national and EU legislation, so that women will be better employed and empowered and would contribute in greater measure to the industry and to the national economy. Description: B.A.(HONS)TOURISM Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/33682 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/33681 Title: An analysis of food festivals as a tool for promoting food tourism in Malta Abstract: The interest in food tourism is ever-growing around the world, and has become one of the most dynamic and creative segments of tourism (UNWTO, 2012). Food is a significant aspect of the tourist’s experience of a destination and food festivals are methods for tourists to experience the food culture of a destination. Therefore, this study aims to discuss Malta’s potential to further develop an indigenous food festival sector and improve food tourism. Semi structured interviews were conducted with key players in the food, tourism and events industry in order to determine views on developing such a niche and evaluate the potential impacts. These results were then correlated to relevant secondary sources and literature to further support opinions. Results showed that Malta has the right characteristics to attract food tourism and indigenous food festivals could be the right vehicle to showcase the island’s food culture. Developing such a niche could also influence Malta’s brand and enrich the importance of Malta’s food culture image. However, in order to reap the benefits of this niche the food and festival sector would be required to improve the quality of the tourism product in order to provide high-quality experiences, which is what today’s cultured tourist seeks when travelling. In turn, this could result in Malta attracting high quality tourists which brings with it a multitude of benefits. Locals must be aware of Maltese food culture and enhance their pride in their products prior to developing the sector. Additionally, authorities must provide the right support for initiatives leading to the development of the niche as well as implement strategic food tourism marketing plans. Description: B.A.(HONS)TOURISM Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/33681 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/33674 Title: Analyzing souvenir shopping : the case of inbound tourists in Malta Abstract: Nowadays tourists’ experience at the host destination involves a vast area of activities and souvenir purchasing is one of these activities practised all over the globe. Previous research found in the literature is limited regarding souvenir purchasing behaviour and factors influencing tourists to engage in such activity. Therefore, this research aim is to analyse tourists’ souvenir purchasing behaviour while they are on a holiday in the Maltese Islands and find the economic extent to which such visitors are willing to spend on souvenirs. This research study involved quantitative methods of research and a sample of 89 visitors of the Maltese Islands for the month of April 2015. Main results of this research are only an indication of tourists’ souvenir purchasing behaviour and therefore they do not represent the entire population of Malta’s inbound tourists for 2015. Tourists purchases were mainly categorised as individual or joint purchases and valuable insights were obtained regarding the souvenir purchasing activity of visitors while in Malta. The research findings indicate that there is a relationship between buyers and non-buyers of souvenirs. Consumers of souvenirs find as most important souvenir characteristics the quality, authenticity and aesthetics. On the other hand, non-consumers of souvenirs also find quality and aesthetics as important elements while the place of production has more significance than authenticity. Information gathered from this research study would be required by stakeholders in the tourism industry in order to adapt their offer to the changing demand of Malta’s tourists. Description: B.A.(HONS)TOURISM Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/33674 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z