Tourism as a driver in preserving iconic heritage : a feasibility study of the revival of the traditional Maltese buses for tourism

Abstract

In recent years there has been an upsurge of interest in Malta’s cultural tourism. Indeed this dissertation explores the traditional Maltese buses which are a salient asset to the cultural heritage of the Maltese islands. This dissertation aims to explore the feasibility of sustainably reviving the traditional Maltese buses for tourism purposes. Based on a review of the existing literature that was presented on the research topic, the research question was tackled through a qualitative approach. In-depth expert interviews were conducted with stakeholders who are knowledgeable about this research topic. Furthermore, questionnaires were distributed to residents and tourists asking for their views on the subject. The results obtained from the data collected, which were analysed through thematic analysis, indicate that reviving the traditional Maltese buses sustainably for tourism purposes may be a plausible possibility. The study concludes that the traditional Maltese buses, besides being used as a tourism product utilised for tours, they could also be operated for various other innovative purposes. On this basis, the researcher recommends that it is imperative that the traditional Maltese buses are revived as they form a prestigious part of Malta’s cultural heritage. Additionally, it is proposed that further research should be done on the history of such buses and on the skills and craftsmanship that was employed in their embellishment.