The Mediterranean cruise industry : its impacts on Maltese cruise tourism

Abstract

Cruise tourism in the Mediterranean has grown immensely over the years with nearly 26 million passengers in 2014. In the centre of this sea, with only one cruise port, Malta finds itself coping with this mass tourism market. The study shows that although Malta is a tiny island strategically located in the Mediterranean, its success as a cruise destination and its place on itineraries does not solely depend on cruise operators. Interviewees were prominent people in the field with first- hand knowledge of the past, present and future of the industry in Malta and the Mediterranean. Semi-structured interviews were prepared to fill in the gaps for the research, with which qualitative data was retrieved and supported by journals, articles and previous studies on the Mediterranean cruise industry. Overall results show that Maltese cruise tourism is also strongly affected by situations, trends, traffic, unrest and safety in all other cruising regions and ports in this particular sea. Results also portray Malta as not just being a comfortable port of call for some cruise companies but an up and coming home-port for more ships, resulting in a more fruitful tourism industry. Points discussed with the respondents may be good indicators as to what needs to be done to improve the cruise industry here and increase the number of ships calling at Valletta. Current issues in the Mediterranean are also discussed in depth as they have changed the way the tourism sector works nowadays. Recommendations for Malta’s cruise tourism are also made.