Malta's relationship with its biodiversity : an attraction or a deterrent to the eco-tourist

Abstract

The aim of this study is to show that diversification towards ecotourism may help the Maltese Islands' tourism industry's long-term sustainability. The study aims at providing a profile of the eco-tourist visiting the Maltese Islands and to indicate whether the Maltese are conscious of how the exploitation of their natural environment is being detrimental not only to biodiversity, the backbone of a sustainable tourism industry, but also to their own future standard of living. This study is based on a number of interviews (with local environmental NGOs and Governmental entities) and on the distribution of a survey questionnaire to locals and tourists all over the Maltese Islands. Views and perceptions are given on issues such as hunting and trapping, law enforcement, pollution, building encroachment, education and the media. The research results in the definition of the typology of the eco-tourist who frequents the Maltese Islands. The study reveals that the need, for an ecotourism policy for the Maltese Islands, stems more from the need to diversify current tourism practices and not so much from the Maltese themselves. The data from the study shows that 89% of the eco-tourists, who visit the Maltese Islands, participate in bird-watching, 90% take part in rambling activities and 61% are on a scuba diving holiday. The study also concludes that it may be worth exploring birdwatching and other ecotourism niche markets, such as photography, cycling and camping, in order to attract more tourists to the Maltese Islands. Both eco-tourists and mainstream tourists are against illegal hunting and trapping practices and they join Maltese residents in calling for more law enforcement and better spatial planning. The results may serve to have a clearer understanding of the current tourism industry in the light of the relationship between the Maltese and their natural environment and may be used to help in the issuing of an ecotourism policy for the benefit of the Maltese Islands' biodiversity and the national economy.