Enhancing the ecotourism potential of the Hagar Qim and Imnajdra archaeological park

Abstract

The concept of eco tourism has been developing on a global perspective since both tourists and local people have felt the need of preserving the same destination which is being used either as a holiday or as a way to increase the financial input of a country. Nonetheless, this concept carries a bundle of responsibilities as it needs to balance the way a destination is becoming popular among eco tourists and the way it is being conserved. In Malta however this concept is still at a conception stage and few are the activities and destinations which can be categorised as pure ecotourism. In this study the author attempts to find ways to promote ecotourism in this country and it focuses on the area linking Ħagar Qim and Imnajdra. Since this area is characterised by both cultural heritage and ecological value, it has been chosen by the author for its high potential of becoming an ecotourism destination. The study focuses on at attempt to enhance the possibility of promoting ecotourism in this area by conducting a questionnaire among tourists on the site. The questionnaire was balanced by qualitative and quantitative questions so the author could test the popularity of some recommendations set by the study while eliciting more information about the subject. These questionnaires were backed up by a set of interviews with major stakeholders related to tourism or political sector. The recommendations proposed included: - Devising more safety precautions for the area - Offering more education about the ecological value by means of booklets, audio and visual aids and guided tours. - Planning activities which include a level of adventure to attract young tourists - Motivating the use of organic and agro biodynamic farming to achieve sustainability of both the rural area and the temples. - Facilitating the way down the slope near the area to offer more accessibility to senior tourists