carrying capacity study for tourism in the maltese islands

Kohesio: discover EU projects in your region

A Carrying Capacity Study of Tourism in the Maltese islands

The purpose of the project is to carry out a study into the sustainability of the Maltese tourism sector. It will identify the baseline situation, identify gaps and challenges, highlight opportunities, and propose recommendations. The latter will help facilitate further development and evolution of Malta’s tourism sector, which is a key economic sector. The study will recognise the impact Covid-19 has had, and will have, on the tourism sector in the short-medium term, especially in terms of existing and future bed supply, and the implications associated with over supply. It will facilitate continued policy dialogue with stakeholders and policymakers to present tangible recommendations improving the quality and sustainability of the sector, while limiting its social and environmental impact and enhancing its long-term growth in terms of jobs and skills. The study will also help inform a series of workshops targeting employees, focusing on the main areas which emerge from the study.

• report an issue

  Malta

Carrying capacity exercise suggests Malta needs 4.7 million tourists to achieve 80 per cent accommodation occupancy

Related Articles

Travel and tourism industry unites to tackle climate change, mhra acknowledges airmalta’s legacy and welcomes the dawn of km malta airlines, green diplomacy: council conclusions reaffirm the eu’s commitment to work closely with partners to accelerate a global just and inclusive green transition.

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) presents the Carrying Capacity Study for Tourism in the Maltese Islands by Deloitte Malta.

A study commissioned by the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) and conducted by Deloitte Malta, clearly shows that once all bed stock that has regulatory approval comes on line, that together with the current bed stock will require 4.7 million arrivals staying an average of just under 7 nights each to achieve an 80 per cent occupancy throughout the year. This study was co-financed by the European Social Fund, Operational Programme II – Investing in human capital to create more opportunities and promote the wellbeing of society – 2014-2020. Additional financial support was received through the NGO Co-Financing Fund 2022 of the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector.

The study was conducted by Deloitte Malta and was presented by Partners Raphael Alosio and Michael Zarb. Deloitte noted that the study shows that expected additions to the tourism bed stock, together with the prolonged air connectivity impacts due to various reasons and other demand-side factors, if left unchecked, augur a period of low occupancy and sector profitability, which in turn could further threaten Malta’s financial and economic stability when coupled with wide issues impacting all European markets.

Moreover, the study raised concerns about Malta’s capacity to cater for the level of tourism growth required to sustain the existing pipeline of tourism projects and approved developments, noting that to reach 2019 occupancy rates, expected supply side increases would require up to an 80% increase in arrivals over the next 5 years or so.

The Study showed that, already at 2019 volume levels, various quantitative and qualitative indicators were suggestive of an undesirable level of stress on key limiting factors that impact both the tourism experience offered in Malta as well as the quality-of-life of residents. Such limiting factors include the country’s broader infrastructure, particularly in regard to the sewage network in certain areas, broad environmental impacts concerning specific tourism hotspots as well as more indirect matters associated with the sector’s unsaturable thirst for expat workers and resulting urbanization pressures.

The study included a detailed literature review and data analysis of key tourism indicators. Furthermore, it featured interviews with several public and private sector stakeholders followed by several group workshops and follow-up consultations with specific entities. Contacted stakeholders included relevant Ministries and public authorities and agencies, local councils, as well as sectoral representative bodies and operators.

“A key factor for the sustainable development of tourism is the need to avoid complacency. This is an industry where one can never stop thinking about tomorrow’s opportunities and challenges. Thankfully, our country incorporates social partners like the MHRA that continuously spark a healthy and widespread tourism debate by encompassing government, direct stakeholders and the wider community,” outlined Minister for Tourism Clayton Bartolo .

Concluding the event, Mr Andrew Agius Muscat, CEO of MHRA , confirmed that this study comes at an opportune time in which a discussion is warranted on safeguarding the future of this-key sector for the Maltese economy.

We are faced with a very challenging economic climate in which operators are still feling the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, coupled with major disruptions due to inflationary pressures and increases in fuel and other charges across the board which could impact the purchasing power of our main tourist markets and increase operational costs.

Therefore, we need to ensure that the industry remains sustainable in the medium to long term. This study clearly indicates the births necks and the areas that need addressing. In the end most of the decisions necessary are political decisions which only government is position to take and execute

The event was attended by all the key stakeholders, from private operators to key decision makers in the public sector.

Article Source

previous Brussels | New EU rules to allow use of recycled plastics in food packaging

Next brussels │single market emergency instrument to safeguard eu freedoms in future crises.

The Mediterranean Observer is a news portal dedicated to travel tourism, and hospitality in the Mediterranean region. This portal is managed by the Mediterranean Tourism Foundation, based in the Mediterranean country of Malta.

Privacy Overview

Social Partners Discuss the Tourism Carrying Capacity Report in Malta at MCESD Meeting

During the fourth MCESD meeting this year, discussions centred on the detailed report prepared by the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA), a member of the MCESD Council, regarding the country’s carrying capacity with a focus on tourism and associated infrastructure. Social partners provided meaningful reactions to Malta’s potential tourism capacity, as outlined in the report commissioned by MHRA and prepared by Deloitte Malta. The presentation took place before the entire MCESD Council, in the presence of Hon. Andy Ellul, the Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue, and Hon. Clayton Bartolo, the Minister for Tourism.

The MHRA President, Mr. Tony Zahra, introduced the topic, emphasising the significant role of the tourism industry in Malta. He highlighted that the report indicated Malta would need to attract 4.7 million tourists to accommodate the planned increase in hotel accommodations. Mr. Zahra forecasted a 2.5% increase in tourists visiting Malta in 2024 compared to 2019.

During Deloitte Malta ‘s presentation by Mr. Michael Zarb, concerns regarding Malta’s capacity to handle increasing tourist numbers were expressed, particularly in crowded zones like beaches, historical sites, and urban centres. The report proposed prioritising tourism management in these areas and the implementation of visitation controls to mitigate adverse impacts on residents’ quality of life.

The report also raised concerns on the capacity of Malta’s infrastructure, notably the strained sewage system in key tourist areas. Existing volume levels were observed to negatively impact both the tourist experience and the residents’ quality of life. Challenges additional included environmental impacts, and workforce shortages. Recommendations centre on the choices available to Government to achieve sustainable tourism growth.

The social partners thanked the MHRA for commissioning the study, emphasising the necessity for robust and strategic planning to bolster tourism in the face of stiff competition. They endorsed initiatives and projects aimed at enhancing Malta’s appeal while addressing residents’ and the local labour force’s concerns. Stressing the importance of preserving the quality of life for Maltese and Gozitan residents, they urged comprehensive analysis and strategic planning in key areas including workforce, development, transport, and retail. Furthermore, the social partners highlighted the necessity for increased investments to improve accessibility in less frequented areas, particularly beaches. Waste management also emerged as a significant topic in the discussions among the social partners.

Minister Clayton Bartolo welcomed the social partners’ feedback and stressed the importance of balancing quality and quantity in tourism. He highlighted government initiatives to improve connectivity and draw more visitors, particularly from the American market and higher spending profile locations in Europe and Asia. However, he underlined that the Government has no plan to attract tourism volumes of 4.7 million as projected in the report, urging hoteliers to invest prudently given fierce competition.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue, Hon. Andy Ellul, remarked, “I am encouraged by the comprehensive discussions at the MCESD meeting, where the MHRA’s report shed light on Malta’s tourism challenges. It is imperative for us to balance growth with sustainability, taking into account the concerns raised by social partners, as we strive to enhance our appeal without compromising the quality of life for our residents.”

During the second part of the meeting, Kooperativi Malta were invited to the MCESD Council to present the contribution to Malta’s socio-economic development. The CEO of Kooperativi Malta, Mr. Daniel Schembri, highlighted the important role of cooperatives in various fields that sustain many social and economic enterprises and contribute to the socio-economic well-being of the nation. Social partners responded with enthusiasm to the efforts of Kooperativi Malta and appreciated the importance of collaboration on a number of initiatives.

• You may access the presentation on the Carrying Capacity Study for Tourism in the Maltese Islands here.
• You can access the full report on the Carrying Capacity Study for Tourism in the Maltese Islands here.
• You may access the presentation on Kooperativi Malta from here.

© 2024 MCESD | All Rights Reserved

• Members Area
• Privacy Policy
• Freedom of Information Requests

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Cookie and Privacy Settings

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.

We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.

We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Google reCaptcha Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.

• Login with Twitter
• Login with Independent

• Blogs & Opinions

Tourism: the industry does not care

Notwithstanding the increasing numbers of incoming tourists, the tourism industry is currently in a self-destructive mode.  After the carrying capacity study published by the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) in July 2022, one would have expected the Ministry of Tourism or the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) to take the lead in initiating a public debate on the matter.

The Deloitte report published by the MHRA, in July 2022, entitled  Carrying Capacity Study for Tourism in the Maltese Islands  has pointed out that the total of existing and planned hotel accommodation would require approximately 5 million tourists per annum to ensure an 80 percent occupancy. This does not take into consideration non-hotel accommodation. If non-hotel accommodation is also taken into account, the problem would be much worse.

This is anything but sustainable. Yet, except for the public discussion on the skills required by foreign workers in the industry, no one is (apparently) bothered by the considerable negative impacts of tourism: impacts on both tourism itself as well as on the residential community. No wonder that studies have identified a developing tourismophobia. Tourismophobia has been described by Catalan anthropologist Manoel Delgado as a mixture of repudiation, mistrust, and contempt for tourists.

The total number of inbound tourists to Malta in 2023 was around 3 million. This accounted for 20.2 million bed nights and an estimated expenditure of €2.7 billion. The employment that this generates is considered by many as a positive contribution to the industry, and sustaining around 50,000 jobs.

The Deloitte report published by MHRA in 2022, however, explains that  in 2009, 82 per cent of those employed in the tourism sector were Maltese. By 2019 this statistic had decreased to 40.6 per cent. The Deloitte report does not explain the reasons behind this trend.  It only emphasises that this trend is not unique to the Maltese islands.

However, the Deloitte report goes on to argue that the reliance of the tourism industry on an ever-increasing cosmopolitan labour force is an important contributor to an increasing lack of authenticity of the touristic product.  Who cares?

The ever-increasing volume of incoming tourists has an impact on both the tourist experience as well as on the quality of life of the residential community.

Many years ago a substantial portion of the residential community of Paceville was squeezed out of the locality as a direct result of the impacts of the tourist industry. It seems that no lessons were learned from this experience as various residential communities around the islands are still continuously at the receiving end. No one cares.

Tables and chairs have taken over substantial public areas around our residences, in many instances obstructing access to our homes. Consider, for example, The Strand from Gżira to Sliema: from Manoel Island right to The Ferries, and beyond. Has anyone ever considered the impact of the continuous stretch of chairs and tables on the residential community along the same stretch of road?

This experience is not limited to Sliema but also exists in Marsascala, St Paul’s Bay, St Julian’s, and many other areas, including Valletta. Who cares?

The tourism industry is aware of all this. Yet the issues raised are not being addressed. The situation gets worse by the minute.

The residential communities in various localities are voicing their concerns. One of the latest to so do was the Valletta residential community.

The local council elections next June are an opportunity to elect local councilors who are sensitized to the concerns of the residents. We need Local Councils that can take up the fight directly at an institutional level as it is only in this manner that the real issues faced by our communities can be addressed.

We have a tourism industry that only cares about what goes into its bank account: nothing else is of significance. We can compensate for this by having local councils that not only care about our communities but most importantly act swiftly to right the accumulated wrongs.

Carmel Cacopardo is a former Chairperson of ADPD-The Green Party in Malta.

• don't miss

End of a mandate

Re-election campaign is an ongoing…

Toxic majoritarianism

Press freedom deficiencies

Still incomplete, still mediocre

The wasteland that is Mosta

Malta Pavilion at the 2024 Venice Art…

Tourism Carrying Capacity

Client: deloitte ltd., project background.

Tourism is an important pillar of the Maltese Islands’ economy, providing significant direct and indirect financial benefits. The growth in tourism saw a rapid increase in the supply of bed stock, raising fears about whether there is an oversupply on such a small island, particularly whether the industry was on a sustainable growth trajectory.

One way to understand the problem was to devise a tourism carrying capacity for the island of Malta.

AIS Environment was tasked to identify the environmental impacts brought by the tourism industry on:

Landscape quality

Biodiversity

As part of its work, AIS identified the relevant causal loops between tourism and the territorial context, linked and superimposed the effects of tourism within the territorial context and identified the carrying capacity metrics by which policy could be formulated.

The work carried out by AIS Environment is presented in the final report which is published here

Further reading: Comino Carrying Capacity

environmental consultancy firm

Related Projects

Have any project in mind?

Let's create something awesome together.

We were tasked to handle a tourism carrying capacity of the Maltese…

Comino Carrying Capacity

ERA commissioned AIS Environment to prepare a Visitor Carrying Capacity (VCC) Assessment…

Ferry Landing Sites

AIS Environment carried out numerous studies on the ferry landing sites. The…

Wied Blandun

Our team of experts conducted desktop and field surveys with preliminary studies…

Qrejten Breakwater

AIS Environment handled the Environmental Monitoring of the construction of the breakwater…

Mellieha Holiday Centre

AIS handled all work related to Environmental Permit, Nature Permit, and Tree…

SEA for Malta Waste Plan

AIS Environment delivered an SEA Scoping Report and Environmental Report on the…

Malta-Sicily Interconnector

This project included Environmental Planning Statement (EPS), Construction Monitoring, and Marine Environment…

National WFD Baseline

This project included the collection of scientific data for ten water bodies…

Tourism carrying-capacity in Malta

• In Seminars
• 14:51, 28 Nov 2017

Tourism carrying-capacity in Malta Living with Tourism. How many more tourists can Malta accept? Date:     Wednesday, 6 December 2017 Venue: Room 113 Old Humanities Building, University of Malta Msida Campus Time:    18:00 to 20:00 This seminar offers a contribution, on behalf of the University of Malta, to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) 2017 celebrations for the ‘International Year of Sustainable Tourism Development’. The seminar is being jointly organised by the Islands and Small States Institute (ISSI) and the Institute for Tourism Travel and Culture (ITTC). Background. In the Maltese Islands a high proportion of GDP is derived from tourism. At the same time, tourism tends to generate various environmental and social pressures. In 2017 news headlines from across Europe including Barcelona, Dubrovnik, Iceland and Venice highlighted growing social unease as a result of high rates of tourist inflows. This seminar aims to explore these notions with a focus on the Maltese islands.  Chair: Professor Andrew Jones, Institute for Travel, Tourism and Culture, University of Malta   Introduction: Mr Julian Zarb,  Institute for Travel, Tourism and Culture, University of Malta. Panel Discussion: Dr Marie-Louise Mangion, Public Policy; University of Malta Professor Lino Briguglio, Islands & Small States Institute, University of Malta.  Mr Leslie Vella, Deputy Chief Executive Malta Tourism Authority Mr Adrian Attard, Malta Hotel and Restaurants Association Stakeholders in the tourism industry, associated professionals, students and other interested individuals are invited to attend this evening seminar, and to drinks that will follow the seminar. Attendance is free of charge but those wishing to attend are to inform Ms Romina Carabott on [email protected] or telephone numbers +356 2340 2117, +356 2134 4879 by not later than 4 December 2017.

UM academic delivers keynote speech at the CopaGloba concluding seminar

• 09:55, 08 Jun 2023

Seminar: Using Deep Learning to find needles in a genomic junkyard

• 14:34, 23 May 2023

Third LGBTIQ Research Symposium

• 07:53, 23 May 2023
• ARTS & CULTURE
• CONFERENCES
• EXHIBITIONS
• PUBLICATIONS
• RESEARCH & PROJECTS
• SCHOLARSHIPS
• TALKS & SEMINARS

Information about

• L-Università ta' Malta (UM)
• Academic entities

Information for

• Prospective students
• Current students
• Campuses and maps
• Courses at UM
• Search for staff
• Statutes, regulations and bye-laws

University of Malta Msida, MSD 2080 Malta

Phone: +356 2340 2340 UM website Contact details

• Accessibility
• Freedom of information

© L-Università ta' Malta

Tourism: reflections on the Deloitte report

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) has just published a report entitled  Carrying Capacity Study for Tourism in the Maltese Islands   which report has been drawn up by its consultants Deloitte and financed primarily by EU funds.

A point which made the headlines, resulting from the said report, is relative to the availability of tourism accommodation, including touristic development which is still in the pipeline. Over the next five years, the report says, there is a significant risk of an over-supply in the expected accommodation growth. Various media reports have emphasised that as a result of the projected supply of touristic accommodation, close to 5 million tourists would be required (at an average 80 per cent occupancy throughout the year) to ensure the sector’s long-term profitability. Such an influx of tourists, definitely, cannot be handled by the country.

This is definitely the result of an lack of adequate land use planning. Unfortunately, the Planning Authority has continuously encouraged a free-for-all, particularly through the relaxation of various planning policies applicable to touristic accommodation. In fact, Tony Zahra, MHRA President, has been quoted as saying that we do not have a “Planning Authority” but a “Permitting Authority”.  For once, he is quite obviously right.

Unfortunately, this attitude of the Planning Authority is not limited to the touristic sector: it is spread throughout the islands relative to all types of development. It is an attitude which has contributed considerably towards “overcrowding, overdevelopment and uglification” which the Deloitte report groups together as being the contributors to the poor urban environment which impacts both residents and tourists indiscriminately!

An interesting point made by the Deloitte report is that the tourist sector is continuously decreasing in importance as the provider of employment opportunities for Maltese residents. In fact, the report states that, in 2009, 82 per cent of those employed in the tourism sector were Maltese. By 2019 this had decreased to 40.6 per cent. A staggering decrease in excess of 50 per cent!  The report does not offer any specific explanation for this. Reliance on poor remuneration of seasonal and part-time labour is a most obvious contributor to the situation. Its correction would inevitably cut the tourism sector down in size and consequently increase the problem of over-supply! The Deloitte report is generally silent about this basic flaw.

The quality of the touristic product is impacted considerably not only by the poor urban environment, which is getting progressively worse. It is also negatively impacted by the exponential increase in traffic and litter. Deloitte also identify the lack of product authenticity as a contributor to the decreasing quality of the touristic product. This is the result of the lack of Maltese working in the sector!

The report also hints at turismophobia. It records the preoccupation of those residing in touristic areas. They are less enthusiastic about tourism when compared to those living in other areas which are not in continuous contact with the tourist.

This ties in with a study carried out by academics at the University of Malta, Lino Briguglio and Marie Avellino, who, in a paper published in 2020 and entitled  Has over-tourism reached the Maltese Islands ?had pointed out the need for a tourism policy which focuses on mitigating its negative impacts. 

Tourism is not an activity that happens in a vacuum. It takes place in a community of persons, who should be assured that their quality of life is not impacted negatively as a result of the experience.

Tourism is not just about the numbers of tourists who visit, or the millions of euro spent or its contribution to the Gross National Product: it is also about our quality of life.

The profitability to be addressed should not be limited to financial parameters. As tourism is not just about the tourist: it is about each one of us.

Carmel Cacopardo ADPD Chairperson Published in The Malta Independent – Sunday 2 October 2022

Carrying capacity study for tourism in the Maltese Islands

by Gozo News · September 22, 2022

The study was conducted by Deloitte Malta and was presented by Partners Raphael Alosio and Michael Zarb.

Deloitte noted that the study shows that expected additions to the tourism bed stock, together with the prolonged air connectivity impacts due to various reasons and other demand-side factors, if left unchecked, augur a period of low occupancy and sector profitability, which in turn could further threaten Malta’s financial and economic stability when coupled with wide issues impacting all European markets.

During the study Deloitte Malta said that they worked closely with MHRA, Gozo Tourism Association (GTA), Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) and Malta International Airport (MIA). A number of interviews were also held with other Stakeholders, including Planning Authority, Heritage Malta, Water Services Corporation, Enemalta, University of Malta, Institute of Tourism Studies, Malta Public Transport, St. Julian’s local council and Malta Union of Tourism Guides

The study raised concerns about Malta’s capacity to cater for the level of tourism growth required to sustain the existing pipeline of tourism projects and approved developments, noting that to reach 2019 occupancy rates, expected supply side increases would require up to an 80% increase in arrivals over the next 5 years or so.

The Study also showed that, already at 2019 volume levels, various quantitative and qualitative indicators were suggestive of an undesirable level of stress on key limiting factors that impact both the tourism experience offered in Malta as well as the quality-of-life of residents.

It noted that such limiting factors include the country’s broader infrastructure, particularly in regard to the sewage network in certain areas, broad environmental impacts concerning specific tourism hotspots as well as more indirect matters associated with the sector’s “unsaturable thirst for expat workers and resulting urbanisation pressures.”

The study included a detailed literature review and data analysis of key tourism indicators.

It found that when asked to identify tourism assets and areas that are relevant to the national tourism product and that appeared to suffer from significant negative impacts of over-tourism, stakeholders raised concerns over the extensive crowds at:

• Key beaches (Mellieha, Golden Bay, Ramla Bay, Blue Lagoon and St George’s Bay).

• Key historic centres (Citadella Victoria, Mdina, Valletta (including St. John’s co-cathedral) and the Three Cities).

• Key coastal/urban tourism centres (Mainly Paceville, Sliema, St. Julian’s, and St Paul’s Bay)

• The study noted that whilst available data is imperfect, it nonetheless supports stakeholders’ concerns in this regard.

Peak beach density for Maltese beaches are estimated to exceed the average for Europe (6.8 persons per sqm per day). Blue Lagoon and Golden Bay appear to be under particular stress. The study said that Comino is a sensitive biodiversity hot spot and a Natura 2000 site, “already at existing visitation rates, visitors have been reported to frequently encroach on protected areas, trampling vegetation and leading to soil degradation and desertification, and increasing litter, noise, dust, and light pollution – all of which undermine biodiversity and deter wildlife.”

“An unambiguous and enforced visitor management plan for Blue Lagoon appears warranted already at 2019 volume levels,” the study said.

It also noted that the issue is not limited to beaches. Certain historical sites and tourism zones are estimated to be nearing peak visitor density rates that are similar to Venice and sustaining significant visitation increases without controls, improved management and investments appears problematic.

“A key factor for the sustainable development of tourism is the need to avoid complacency. This is an industry where one can never stop thinking about tomorrow’s opportunities and challenges. Thankfully, our country incorporates social partners like the MHRA that continuously spark a healthy and widespread tourism debate by encompassing government, direct stakeholders and the wider community,” outlined Minister for Tourism Clayton Bartolo.

Concluding the event, Mr Andrew Agius Muscat, CEO of MHRA, confirmed that this study comes at an opportune time in which a discussion is warranted on safeguarding the future of this-key sector for the Maltese economy.

“We are faced with a very challenging economic climate in which operators are still feeling the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, coupled with major disruptions due to inflationary pressures and increases in fuel and other charges across the board which could impact the purchasing power of our main tourist markets and increase operational costs,” he said.

He added that, “we need to ensure that the industry remains sustainable in the medium to long term. This study clearly indicates the births necks and the areas that need addressing. In the end most of the decisions necessary are political decisions which only government is position to take and execute.”

The event was attended by all the key stakeholders, from private operators to key decision makers in the public sector.

This study was co-financed by the European Social Fund, Operational Programme II – Investing in human capital to create more opportunities and promote the wellbeing of society – 2014-2020. Additional financial support was received through the NGO Co-Financing Fund 2022 of the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector.

File photo by Alain Salvary

• Permalink: Carrying capacity study for tourism in the Maltese Islands
• Next story Man grievously injured on Xaghra construction site
• Previous story Ryanair record Malta winter schedule with 5 new routes

You may also like...

Donations received by the Arka Foundation

9 May, 2008

Food sector responsibilities removed from Environmental Health Officers – MEHOA

15 Apr, 2024

290,000 people visited the Maltese Islands in July, up 13.1% on 2017

7 Sep, 2018

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments via e-mail address

Currently you have JavaScript disabled. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser.

Gozo News / Letters & Opinions

Enjoyable educational experience for students and adults

25 Apr, 2024

Book Review – Analizi tal-Gimgha Mqaddsa: Lenti fuq Pajjizna u lil hinn minnu

14 Mar, 2024

In praise of a uniquely exceptional service to the Gozitan Diaspora

13 Mar, 2024

The Three Hills Island of Gozo, by Lino DeBono

22 Jan, 2024

The World is held hostage, by Lino DeBono

8 Jan, 2024

Licencing mobile phone technicians – Anthony Zammit

7 Dec, 2023

Gozo Channel implements recommendations made by the Ombudsman

31 Mar, 2024

FKNK submits proposals in favour of spring hunting season

1 Apr, 2024

Gozo Minister cancels planned meeting with Malta Ranger Unit

30 Mar, 2024

Public land and pavements are for the people, not for chairs and tables – ADPD

6 Apr, 2024

Public outcry increases against Victoria-Marsalforn road project – NGOs

24 Apr, 2024

Court rejects BirdLife’s request not to open Turtle-dove spring hunting season

9 Apr, 2024

• AD Birdlife Bishop BOV Cathedral Church Citadel Comino Economy Environment Euro FAA Feast Fish Fishing Ghajnsielem Gharb GO Gozo Heritage HSBC Kercem Labour Malta Malta News Marsalforn Mediterranean MEPA Mgarr Minister Nadur Nationalist Nature Trust Qala Rabat San Lawrenz Sannat SPCA Theatre Tourists Victoria Xaghra Xewkija Xlendi Zebbug

     Recent Gozo News Items ↓

Fiera tad-Dwejra /Dwejra Spring Festival this month in Gozo

HSBC online and mobile banking services unavailable overnight

La Bohème in Gozo marking 100th anniversary of Puccini’s death

Victoria 2031 Foundation to lead Gozo’s bid for European City of Culture

Easter fun in Gozo – Gran Castello Egg Hunt at the Citadel

Blog ta' Carmel Cacopardo

Ad+pd – the green party.

Tourism: reflections on the Deloitte report

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) has just published a report entitled Carrying Capacity Study for Tourism in the Maltese Islands which report has been drawn up by its consultants Deloitte and financed primarily by EU funds.

A point which made the headlines, resulting from the said report, is relative to the availability of tourism accommodation, including touristic development which is still in the pipeline. Over the next five years, the report says, there is a significant risk of an over-supply in the expected accommodation growth. Various media reports have emphasised that as a result of the projected supply of touristic accommodation, close to 5 million tourists would be required (at an average 80 per cent occupancy throughout the year) to ensure the sector’s long-term profitability. Such an influx of tourists, definitely, cannot be handled by the country.

This is definitely the result of an lack of adequate land use planning. Unfortunately, the Planning Authority has continuously encouraged a free-for-all, particularly through the relaxation of various planning policies applicable to touristic accommodation. In fact, Tony Zahra, MHRA President, has been quoted as saying that we do not have a “Planning Authority” but a “Permitting Authority”.  For once, he is quite obviously right.

Unfortunately, this attitude of the Planning Authority is not limited to the touristic sector: it is spread throughout the islands relative to all types of development. It is an attitude which has contributed considerably towards “overcrowding, overdevelopment and uglification” which the Deloitte report groups together as being the contributors to the poor urban environment which impacts both residents and tourists indiscriminately!

An interesting point made by the Deloitte report is that the tourist sector is continuously decreasing in importance as the provider of employment opportunities for Maltese residents. In fact, the report states that, in 2009, 82 per cent of those employed in the tourism sector were Maltese. By 2019 this had decreased to 40.6 per cent. A staggering decrease in excess of 50 per cent!  The report does not offer any specific explanation for this. Reliance on poor remuneration of seasonal and part-time labour is a most obvious contributor to the situation. Its correction would inevitably cut the tourism sector down in size and consequently increase the problem of over-supply! The Deloitte report is generally silent about this basic flaw.

The quality of the touristic product is impacted considerably not only by the poor urban environment, which is getting progressively worse. It is also negatively impacted by the exponential increase in traffic and litter. Deloitte also identify the lack of product authenticity as a contributor to the decreasing quality of the touristic product. This is the result of the lack of Maltese working in the sector!

The report also hints at turismophobia. It records the preoccupation of those residing in touristic areas. They are less enthusiastic about tourism when compared to those living in other areas which are not in continuous contact with the tourist.

This ties in with a study carried out by academics at the University of Malta, Lino Briguglio and Marie Avellino , who, in a paper published in 2020 and entitled Has over-tourism reached the Maltese Islands ? had pointed out the need for a tourism policy which focuses on mitigating its negative impacts. 

Tourism is not an activity that happens in a vacuum. It takes place in a community of persons, who should be assured that their quality of life is not impacted negatively as a result of the experience.

Tourism is not just about the numbers of tourists who visit, or the millions of euro spent or its contribution to the Gross National Product: it is also about our quality of life.

The profitability to be addressed should not be limited to financial parameters. As tourism is not just about the tourist: it is about each one of us.

published in The Malta Independent on Sunday: 2 October 2022

Share this:

Leave a comment cancel reply.

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association

Associate members.

 Carrying Capacity Study for Tourism in the Maltese islands