Climate change and the tourism industry : the case of Malta

Abstract

With its vast implications on the environment, climate change is predicted to affect countless populations worldwide. These effects will lead on to disrupting economies and industries all around the world and the tourism industry is expected to be amongst those which will suffer most. Governments worldwide are recognising the need to inform the public about this, in order to raise awareness and motivate people in being more environmentally-friendly. This study sets out to identify whether the Maltese general public comprehends what the implications of climate change are on the Maltese islands as well as on the tourism industry. Various similar studies of public awareness on climate change have taken place abroad, and these have shown that even in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, there is still a large room for improvement. This research thus aims to analyse how Malta compares. The quantitative approach was used by means of questionnaire surveys carried out among a number of participants. This study has established that although there is generally a high level of awareness on climate change amongst the public, the real understanding of climate change is low. The public is quick to acknowledge that climate change will take place and will affect the tourism industry, however, it is reluctant to adjust its way of life in order to help the environment. It has also been determined that there is inadequate acquaintance as to what is being done and what can be carried out in order to limit the increase of climate change. This suggests that there is a need for increased public education on the causes and affects of climate change in order to raise more awareness and public participation.