Yacht marinas in Malta : a need or a commodity?

Abstract

The Maltese boating community is increasing yearly. New yachts and boats are continuously entering and berthing in marinas within Maltese territorial waters. Previous studies on yacht marinas in Malta have been minimal. The Maltese Islands strategic geographical position at the heart of Mediterranean maritime shipping lanes has always enabled a small island like Malta to have very close connections to maritime affairs. This has, amongst other effects, resulted soon after World War II, in a steady growth in yacht tourism and related leisure activities. The study entails an assessment of the present and any possible future yacht marina developments in Malta from various socio-economical and environmental perspectives. Although intensive data collection methods have been essential for such a study to succeed, it also reflects personal interviews with individual persons who have influenced the yachting sector. Without these interviews, it would not be possible to assess the previously ignored importance that yacht marinas have locally, and their multiplier effects on many various aspects of our lives. Legislation, policies and guidelines are to be followed so as to ensure sufficient and adequate planning when yacht marinas are involved. Malta has a vibrant future within the Mediterranean's yachting leisure and tourism industry if stakeholders are willing to cooperate in ensuring that local marinas are compliant with today's expectations, standards and legislation.