Introducing dance tourism to the Maltese islands

Abstract

The research sets out to explore the possibility of introducing dance tourism to the Maltese Islands, with the main focus being placed on the arts, events and culture sectors within the tourism industry. As society continues to develop, the performing arts sector is gradually gaining importance and recognition- which is creating the opportunity for the introduction of this new niche market. In order to identify the opinions which revolve around this subject matter, the study has conducted a number of interviews and questionnaires with various stakeholders within the dance and tourism sectors. Moreover, the literature compiled helped in obtaining a more comprehensive understanding in the field. After the data collected was analysed, it revealed that dance as an art can indeed be linked to tourism and enhance advantageous outcomes of the tourist experience whilst also increasing tourist numbers. On the other hand, the concluding chapter puts forward several recommendations to help minimise the issues which may interfere with the promotion of this niche, such as: lack of funding and communication being main contenders.