An analysis on the future of food tourism in the Maltese islands through the food delivery business and its subsequent threats

Abstract

Food tourism as well as food culture have had a long standing in the Maltese Islands as a large majority of tourists that visit indulge in the wondrous sights whilst sampling the authentic mixture of mediterranean cuisines. With the recent development of the food delivery business due to the pandemics effects it is difficult to argue whether which cause and effect caused the most damage to the food industries infrastructure. This study aimed to analyse which of these two has caused the most damage to the industry, whether it was possible for any form of recovery after the pandemic, and where the future of food tourism lies within all of the aforementioned developments. In line with the literature to back up these research questions, a series of interviews were conducted from both sides of the industry in order to acquire enough data to conduct a proper analysis. The results themselves presented an interesting set of results which opened up a variety of new discussions partial to the conception of this research idea. Whilst harm was done from all aspects of the initial causes mentioned, the passing of time slowed down the overall effects which gave the surviving businesses viable opportunities to further develop their product. Ultimately a more enriched, but still ever-authentic mixture of cuisine and culture has enveloped the Maltese Islands as well as a thriving industry which has given the other industry the opportunity to branch out further through another form of contact.