A study of Gozo's economic dependency on mainland Malta

Abstract

Gozo is the second largest island in the Maltese Islands, situated 8 kilometers away from mainland Malta. It is a very small island with limited population and natural resources and not enough services to offer. The island is not self-sufficient and relies on Malta for its economic activities. This dissertation focuses on the extent of Gozo's dependency on Malta especially with regards to its economy. The research will investigate the extent to which Gozitans depend on Malta and on the Maltese people for their income. The study will also try to determine the characteristics of the Maltese tourist who visits Gozo. The main economic sectors investigated include tourism, industry and agriculture. However, tourism, especially the catering and accommodation establishments, and industries, are given more importance and studied into more detail. Three hypotheses and a research question have been set up to investigate the issue in depth. Primary data are gathered through the use of four sets of questionnaires based on the hypotheses and research question. The data gathered from the questionnaires are discussed. A selected statistical technique - the Chi-Square test - was used to accept or reject the hypotheses and research question. Secondary data, are obtained from various Government or private departments and organizations, such as the Ministry for Gozo, the Planning Authority and the Malta Tourism Authority. Data interpretation depending on analysis of the questionnaires and testing of the hypotheses together with existing information are presented in Chapter 5. The main issue of this dissertation, whether Gozo depends on mainland Malta, is discussed on the basis of the results obtained.