Wied il-Mielaħ and Wied il-Għasri : a potential attraction for rural tourism in Gozo

Abstract

The following study which is both qualitative and quantitative looks at the potential of Wied il-Mielaħ and Wied il- Għasri as potential sites for further developing rural tourism in Gozo. Rural tourism offers an opportunity for the visitors to familiarize with Gozo`s cultural identity, the natural environment, the Gozitan lifestyle and also the traditional food. Due to the fact that it is impossible to focus on all these characteristics, this research focuses on the natural environmental aspect. Through interviews with various stakeholders this study will present different perspectives on how the rural tourism potential of the two valleys may be further enhanced. The stakeholders interviewed are four private stakeholders, two Governmental Stakeholders and seventy-eight onsite visitors. The results of those interviewed are then analysed and contrasted from a national and international perspective. Although this research, focus only on the natural characteristics of Gozo, these cannot be the sole attraction in order to increase tourism but can be an added element in attracting more rural tourists to Gozo.