Analysing Gozo’s potential as an agro-tourism destination

Abstract

A practically new and exploratory approach to agritourism has been earmarked for the island of Gozo which banks its economy mostly on agriculture and tourism. Recently, much effort has been spent to combine these two businesses together as a type of alternative tourism which can be of great financial benefit to Gozitan entrepreneurs and a means of relaxation to visitors who search for more than history, culture, sun and sea. This study attempts to highlight the current situation of agritourism, its infant stages and whether such a venture will be of benefit to such a small island as Gozo. Most of the literature review focuses on what is really meant by agritourism and the various authors‟ different views about its meaning. The main study deals with case studies and will shed light on how local agriculture (and all it entails) can be exploited to increase the influx of tourism, seeking agritourism. Furthermore, this kind of initiative will boost this innovative niche, from which more income will be injected into the Maltese economy.