An analysis of pre- and post- pandemic connections and their impact on tourism : the Maltese islands

Abstract

One of the most important aspects of island tourism is transport, hence connectivity is an integral part and a very important factor in the tourism industry. This dissertation looks at air connections in Malta, considering both pre and post Pandemic connections. 99% of tourists come to Malta by air, therefore air connectivity is a huge dependent of the islands’ tourism sector. The purpose of this study is to analyse the interplay between air connectivity and Malta’s tourism sector with a focus on the contributions of different stakeholders and the implications of the pandemic on this dynamic. The study aims to also provide insights related to air connectivity strategies implemented in Malta and route development. The methodology of this study includes qualitative data, which was gathered through the use of in-depth semi-structured interviews with experts from the tourism industry. The data gathered indicates the challenges Malta faces in relation to air connectivity, the contributions of different entities towards air connectivity and how the Covid-19 pandemic had impacted Malta’s air connections till this day. The findings suggests that even though tourism numbers have improved, Malta still has to recover specific air connections and networks.