Religion and tourism : the implications of a potential burqa ban on the Maltese tourism industry

Abstract

The following research paper studies the interrelationship between religion and tourism using as a case study the ongoing discussions on whether a burqa ban should or should not be introduced on the Maltese Islands.

For the purpose of this study, a number of short interviews with various tourism stakeholders in Malta were carried out. The researcher outlined the most important and relevant to the study. The opinions of local Muslim and non-Muslim residents were also taken into consideration.

A number of documents, articles and books were used as secondary data sources in line with the primary data research. The author also analysed a list of academic papers focusing on Islamic religion with a view to introducing the topic for further research.

The aim of this research is to highlight the close interrelationship between religion and tourism focusing on how religious symbols and traditions interact with tourism. The author of this paper appeals for more tolerance and less ignorance among tourists and locals, and people in general.