The concept of an airport hotel in a small island state

Abstract

In 2010 Malta International Airport was granted all the necessary permits from the Malta Environmental and Planning Authority for the construction of a business centre which included office space, F&B outlets, retail areas, childcare facilities etc. This development was part of a long term investment scheme following the privatisation process MIA had gone through in 2002. In fact in 2013, MIA presented a master plan to MEPA for further development within the airport area. One of the land use proposals amongst the different developments included a hotel. Hence the research sets out to identify the concept of airport hotel development in small islands states, using Malta as a fitting case study given the local situation. The purpose of the study involved mainly developing a 360⁰ insight from all tourism stakeholders who could add value to the study due to their expertise in the field. From the in-depth interviews done a variety of interrelated issues emerged, including the fact that given the area is surrounded by a variety of businesses, the concept of an airport hotel would be related to business tourism. On a macro level, Malta’s geographic position indicates its potential to develop as a hub for Air Malta. Should this develop, the concept of an airport hotel would fulfil its traditional purposes.