Did the Paceville master plan affect the way stakeholders in Malta look at tourism? : in particular Bugibba and Qawra area

Abstract

The long essay sets to investigate if the issue of the Paceville Master Plan, in 2016, affected or not the way stakeholders look at tourism. The area of Bugibba and Qawra was chosen. This was done because both area (Paceville and Bugibba and Qawra) face common issues, which arose mainly due to lack of planning done before. In order to do so, the research sought to get personal opinions from the main stakeholders within the Bugibba and Qawra area. In terms of sustainability, the key stakeholders are the Local Community, which is formed by the Government Authorities, Local Businesses and the local residents, and the Tourists themselves. The research outlined the fact that there is a high level of awareness in term of Sustainable Tourism, especially after the issue of the Master Plan. The Local Community stated that a Master Plan is needed in order to address various issues within the area. There were similar issues that the Local Community and Tourists outlined, including cleanliness, infrastructure and transportation. The Local Community also highlighted the barriers that might hinder it more difficult for Sustainable Tourism to be implemented within the area. The research concludes the fact that the Master Plan did affect stakeholders within the Bugibba and Qawra in the way they look at Tourism. This was done due to awareness that came along in terms of planning of spaces and collaborating with stakeholders. The outline of this long essay can be used as a starting point for key stakeholders within the area to actually collaborate together and do something to address these issues, by taking a more Sustainable approach which benefits everyone.