Marsascala : one locality, two populations

Abstract

One of the major aims of this dissertation was to identify who bears the responsibility for the seasonal growth in the population of Marsascala, whether it is the internal or external tourism. To achieve this, tourism was studied as to identify its various aspects. Apart from identifying the different characteristics of global tourism, this study was more focused on the particular areas of this industry which contribute to the fluctuation in the population of Marsascala. This work was based on the assumption that the increase in the population of Marsascala during the summer months is due to a seasonal movement of Maltese residents who choose to spend the summer months in this resort. To sustain this assumption particular data had to be collected. There were two methods which were used to collect primary data, namely a set of questionnaires addressed to residents and visitors of this locality, and two traffic surveys which were intended to compare the difference in the traffic flow between summer and winter. The data collected was analysed statistically, and through this study this assumption was sustained. Moreover, through this dissertation, it was concluded that although there is a number of international tourists who choose to visit or reside temporarily in this locality, it is mainly domestic tourism which is responsible for the population increase that is felt mostly during the summer months. Finally this study makes various recommendations as regards the future of Marsascala, and how this locality can be sustainibly exploited in favour of tourism.