Blue growth strategy for Malta : a central Mediterranean perspective for sustainable coastal tourism

Abstract

This dissertation pinpoints how the approach adopted by the European Union Commission and whether as a Member state is moving closer to reach such expectations. These expectations include those which through the EU Commission Communication aim to create more jobs in coastal and maritime tourism is used by Malta. At a time when the current and future economy of the EU is being highly debated, now is the right time for strategy such as the Blue Growth, utilizes its' blue economy well and exploits the full potential of the Mediterranean Sea. The Communication for Coastal tourism as a component of the Blue Growth strategy was introduced formally after a public consultation materialized to develop actions which can further develop sustainable growth and provide more attention to Europe's coastal zones. Through a number of plans, the Commission has tried to push forward various key guidelines for the implementation of such a strategy for coastal tourism and issues reports identifying a general overview of the progress being made in ensuring that the action plans are being imposed accordingly. This study analyses a number of qualitative interviews, with key stakeholders for such a strategy, which shows that Malta has a major key role to play and can be used as an example for other Member States. The study will also present how Malta is performing in each action plan defined by the European Commission and what further needs to be done to reach the desired expectations. The Blue Growth strategy will be given the importance also when it will be on the agenda during the European presidency in 2017 that Malta will be hosting. There are many national initiatives which support this idea but there needs to be more emphases on how public and private entities, together with the general citizens, are meant to play an active role in supporting such a strategy and secure economic growth.