The development of sustainable heritage tourism in Mosta

Abstract

Tourism is of critical importance to Malta, especially since it constitutes one of the main pillars of the Maltese economy. The industry was recently diversified from a sun, sand and sea market towards a more segment-based approach, focusing mostly on the heritage and cultural segment. This diversification is expected to lead towards a more sustainable tourism industry, with various Maltese towns and villages improving and promoting their cultural product. This research concentrates on the heritage tourism industry of Mosta, focusing mostly on the tangible heritage and cultural events held throughout the year. However, although Mosta has various places of interest and cultural events, tourists visit the locality only for a short period of time to see the famous Mosta Dome. This dissertation provides an analysis of the locality's present tourism industry, together with an analysis of the proposed tourism development in Mosta. Through the promotion of more heritage attractions and events in Mosta, tourists will have more opportunities for which to stay in Mosta. This may lead to higher economic benefits, such as more tourist spending and employment opportunities for the local community. This analysis, followed by recommendations for a more sustainable tourism industry in Mosta, was based on the responses of stakeholders, including residents, tourists and ii local businesses, together with the opinions of MTA officials and a cultural and heritage consultant of Mosta. Furthermore, this study was carried out in line with the principles of sustainable tourism and other related theories.