The perception tourists have of refugees in Malta

Abstract

This research aims to look into the perception that tourists have of refugees in Malta. It does so through a sociological approach and qualitative methods of research. Primary research was conducted with participating stakeholders, European tourists, refugees and the host community. Questionnaires were used to gather data regarding the opinions of all social groups in order to obtain a holistic view point. Primary and secondary research on the host community indicated a negative perception towards refugees within Malta. However, the tourists’ perception of refugees in Malta was generally one of empathy and little awareness of any refugee “situation” related specifically to Malta, possibly, due to current events within Europe over the past decades, and particularly in 2015, whereby Europe experienced a mass movement of people seeking refuge from the war in Syria. The situation in Malta did not appear to be different to that of the rest of Europe. European tourists, expressed concerns with regard to the refugees’ religion, language barriers and safety. Tourists also responded that refugees could be perceived as having a negative connotation related to the island of Malta. Refugees found tourists to be primarily friendly. Tourists expressed no personal adverse opinion regarding the presence of refugees, nor did the findings suggest any lack of business from stakeholders. The fear of a decline in tourism among the host community due to the presence of refugees, may not be totally founded, although tourists did believe that refugees could be perceived as having a negative impact on Malta.