A sustainable transport policy for tourism on small islands : a case study of Malta

Abstract

The Bruntland Report Our Common Future defined sustainable development as that which 'meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs' (World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987). The principle of sustainability is pertinent to development at tourist destinations. Destinations rely on the quality of their environment for continued success and this environment is a finite natural resource which comes under pressure as tourist numbers grow. There are two areas where transport policy can play a key role in developing sustainable tourism policies. By definition all tourism must involve a transit journey from one's normal area of residence and work to the tourist destination area. For international tourism this t()~nl~y~svirtual!L always ~y . some form of mQtqri~ed JransPQ!tand therefore consumes resources and c~ontributes to pollution. Nevertheless ~perator~s-ca~red~ce~theenvirol1inental irirpacf6fstlchtravel and many, including British Airways and P&O European Ferries, have developed an environmental policy which can be reviewed annually (British Airways, 1993; Page, 1994). Policies aimed at reducing noise, fuel consumption, congestion and emissions may have the added advantage of reducing operating costs. This role of transport is outside the scope of this case study. For a more detailed review see British Airways (1993) and Page (1994). TQes.~s:()nd area is the provision of transport services within the destinaUQ}} area. The fact that tourists may require mobility around the tourist destination area is often overlooked. They may wish to visit a wide range of attractions and explore the whole destination area. This is particularly true for small island destinations such as Malta where the whole island is perceived as the holiday destination rather than a specific area such as -Bugibba. This chapter will describe the important role of public transport in sustainable tourism development, with the aim of exploring how effectively Malta uses its public transport network in this regard. The chapter also attempts to identify areas where provision can be improved. The findings to be described in this chapter are the result of research undertaken during eight visits to Malta over a period of four years. The author has carried out a series of in-depth interviews with senior managers at the Public Transport Authority to ascertain current operating policies and investigate likely future developments. This has been supplemented by observation techniques on routes with heavy tourist use to ascertain the effectiveness of existing operating policies. Where appropriate, alternative established bus operating practices from other countries have been proposed. The lack of detailed market research information about use of the network has been identified, although one survey of 200 tourists in January 1994 has been used to establish tourist attitudes to the bus network.