Sustainable tourism in small island states with special reference to Malta

Abstract

In studies on sustainable tourism, the concept is generally considered in terms of the balance between economic, environmental and social concerns (Bramwell, 201 7; Butler, 1999; Wight, P, 1995). 1 The occm;rence of these three dimensions of sustainable tourism are very pronounced in many small island tourist destinations where tourism generates considerable income and employment, with relatively high negative social and environmental impacts (Briguglio et al., 1996). This chapter will present examples of this reality with regard to the Maltese Islands.

A number of preventative and remedial measures for the promotion of sustainable tourism are suggested. The chapter argues that the rapid growth in tourism is sharpening awareness of its negative social and environmental impacts, and that this could eventually lead to a better understanding of, and increased support for, sustainable tourism.

The chapter is organised in six sections. Section 2 presents a literature review relating to sustainable tourism in small islands states. Section 3 presents a profile of the tourist industry in Malta, while section 4 discusses sustainability issues relating to tourism in the same destination. Possible pre-emptive and corrective measures for the promotion of sustainable tourism in Malta are discussed in section 5. Section 6 concludes on the optimistic note that the social and environmental downsides of tourism are generating support for policies and measures conducive to sustainable tourism.