The regeneration of Qormi into a tourism destination : an analysis of the potential socio-economic impacts

Abstract

Tourism in Malta has been advocated and exploited in various parts especially on the littoral were places such as Sliema, St. Julian's, Mellieħa, and St. Paul's Bay have become Mass Tourism Destinations. There has been however a lack of inclusion of other localities, which have the potential to serve as alternative tourist destinations. Such a locality is Qormi, which has innate potential to become a religious tourism destination, a sports tourism destination, and a gastronomic/agro tourism tourism destination. This potential has long been hidden. However it is understood that there can be a sustainable practice of the aforementioned. Tourism however can have diverse effects on the population and these can be of different natures. This study can conclude that the impacts of tourism in Qormi are generally positive. There seem to be no irritation expected by those met during the research process and economic benefits are deemed to beneficial. This study is to serve as a preliminary to new alternative tourism attractions and destinations around Malta, in a bid to diversify tourism options and improve the distribution of the benefits that tourism can offer.