Carrying capacity assessment for Malta
The economic impact is not the only variable which should influence tourism policy and decisions.
This is why the second study relating to Malta's tourism carrying capacity is needed.
The two studies will provide a better picture of the complexity within which the tourism industry operates.
Carrying capacity, or the maximum number of people fitting into an area over time, has an effect on how people think and behave in their surroundings.
In situations where the carrying capacity is exceeded, dilemmas that have significant influences on Malta's economic, political, environmental and social conditions will be generated.
The Carrying Capacity Assessment will therefore take into consideration:
- the needs of the tourism industry
- the needs of Malta's economy
- the socio-cultural balance
- the physical constraints
to determine acceptable use levels
These involve numerous variables which place some form of constraint on the tourism industry.
Considerations given to:
- timing (flow)
- duration (level of permanency)
- demand (services demanded and ability to recover)
- density (more than just space)
Involves an on-going process of data collection
Data ranges from existing and future bedstock, tourist flows, visitor flows to attractions to average daily usage of beaches, public transport, water and energy consumption.
Involvement of representatives:
- Ministry for Tourism
- NTOM / Malta Tourism
Authority
- Air Malta
- Planning Authority
- University of Malta
- MHRA
- Assistance from environmental NGOs, governmental departments and parastatal companies
Specific studies have been carried out by the CCA Working Group as follows:
- The Social Demography of the Maltese islands
- Socio-Cultural Impact Survey
- Mapping Surveys
- Beach Use Survey
- City Visitor Survey
- Places of Entertainment/Heritage Sites Survey
- Tourist Preferences Survey
Apart from these specific surveys, the results of which have been presented in the "Carrying Capacity Assessment Brief" in May 1999, use has also been made of existing data both directly relating to the tourism industry and the wider perspective within which tourism operates.
This data refers to:
- tourist flows and patterns of behaviour.
- existing and potential supply of tourism services and facilities.
- demand for and supply of transport facilities.
- demand for and production of energy.
- demand for and production of water.
- solid waste generation and disposal methods.
- sewage generation and treatment.
- land use take-up.
Following the analysis of the collated data, an outline of the general direction towards which the tourism industry is to be managed will be drafted.
Further inputs will be required from all interested parties to fine tune the details of this outline.
This study will examine the potential causes for any gaps between existing and desired conditions.
Action will then be required to address these gaps in order for the tourism industry to develop in a more efficient manner: economically, socially and environmentally.
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