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With tourist arrivals declining in 2006, 48% of Maltese think high prices are to blame. In turn, 29.3% think that competition from other resorts is the main reason for the decreasing number of tourists visiting the Maltese Islands. The “dirty environment” was pin-pointed as another catalyst for the problem by 21.7% of Maltese while a further 6.7% blamed “bad customer care”.
However, it is hoped by 62.3% of the population that low-cost airlines will ease the problems faced by Malta's tourist industry. Yet, 34.7% are not convinced that low-cost airlines are not entirely convinced that low-cost airlines can solve the troubles. Furthermore, 91% think the high departure, applied to flights starting from Malta, taxes are unjustified.
These findings were revealed in a public opinion survey among 300 households carried out on behalf of The Sunday Times by sociologist Mario Vassallo between the 12th and 17th September,
Businessmen are seen as the most suitable target the Maltese tourism industry should be reaching out to, with 31.7% of the respondents mentioning them as the category of people Malta should be targeting. 30.7% of respondents think Malta should attract young persons, a further 17.7% believe families with children are the best catrgory to entice, while conference participants were seen as the most suitable targets by 15.3% of respondents.
28% of Maltese think “sun and sea” are Malta’s best asset by which Malta should be advertised as a tourist attraction. The "history of Malta" is given almost equal importance with 27.7% citing it as Malta’s best asset. 23.3% of Maltese have their heart set on Malta being advertised through its culture, while 20.3% think Malta should be advertised for its hospitality. "Feasts and folklore" and English language got a mention, with 10% and 7% respectively.
Factors Maltese believe could attract include historical sites at 16.7%, "entertainment venues" at 16%, "good services" at 9.3%, "beautiful environment" at 8.7%, "good and cheap restaurants" at 8.3%, "heap public transport" at 7% and "good guides" at 3.7%. The remained mentioned “good hotels” as the main factor that attract tourists.
However, 25.3% of respondents believe Malta is not well-equipped to attract tourists with 41.7% blamed "bad services", followed by 16.7% placing the blame on "expensive taxis". 16% cited the "dirty environment" as the reason why Malta is poorly equipped to draw tourists, followed by 12.7% pointing their finger at "dirty public buses". "expensive air travel". While 10% blame expensive air travel, 7.3% think "neglected historical sites" are the main reason why Malta is not well equipped to attract tourists. In turn, "bad and expensive restaurants" at 4.3% and "high prices" and "bad quality hotels" at 3% each were mentioned as other reasons.
See also:
Incoming tourists down by 2.9% in July
By MaltaMedia News
Aug 31, 2006, 11:48 CET
© Copyright 2006 - MaltaMedia Online Network
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