Niche markets and small island tourism: the development of sports tourism in Malta

Abstract

While tourism can bring many economic advantages to small islands, there are many examples of rapid, unplanned tourist development having produced over -reliance on this one industry, environmental degradation and a concentration on the lower quality end of the mass tourism market. As a result, in the 1990s many islands have been seeking to remedy this situation by a greater commitment to planning, upgrading of facilities and developing new markets. This paper examines this issue through a case study of the island of Malta, which has experienced many of these problems, and evaluates the development of a particular niche market, that of sports tourism. As well as assessing the potential market for sports tourism and the current extent of development on the island, the paper also examines various resource constraints and issues that may affect the potential for future development and concludes by examining the role and commitment of government in formulating appropriate policies. In addition to its value for the future potential of sports tourism in Malta, the paper also provides valuable lessons for such development elsewhere.

Managing tourism decline: insights from the Isle of Man

“…Thus the stagnation decline and battle to revive first generation tourism resorts, such as those of Northern Europe, or North America, is widely noted (Baum, 1998, Bergsma and Dehaan, 2001, Bramwell, 2004, Brooker and Burgess, 2008, Cooper, 1995, Strapp, 1988. Similarly highlighted is a trend towards stagnation of second generation destinations, such as those of the Mediterranean (Ayres, 2000, Bull and Weed, 1999, Leslie, 2005, Theuma, 2004.…”

“…Strategies which seek to more sustainably manage tourism de-growth and decline, ought therefore, to be considered by industry practitioners in such contexts. Practitioners could adopt some of the many strategies outlined in the literature for combating decline (Aitchison and Evans, 2003, Baum, 1998, Cooper, 1995, or revitalising destinations which have previously stagnated (Bull and Weed, 1999, Scherrer et al, 2009, Sedmak and Mihalic, 2008, Swann, 2010, Theuma, 2004.…”

The Emergence of “Small-Scale” Sport Events in “Small Island” Developing States: Towards Creating Sustainable Outcomes for Island Communities

“…For example, Malta has developed a range of sport events and activities, including among others diving, yachting, power boating, golf, football, and swimming in order to diversify its tourism product (Bull & Weed, 1999). Similarly, Cuba offers a Wilkinson (1989), the term "microstate" is used to explain various forms of political units with population under one million.…”

“…Contingent upon the geographic location, 538 ZIAKAS AND BOUKAS end of the mass tourism market, exhausting natural resources, and causing environmental degradation (Bull & Weed, 1999;Lim & Patterson, 2008). Even small island states, which have the advantage to devise their own development policies, tend to have overreliance on tourism and foreign capital, hence limiting their sustainable development (Lewis-Cameron & Roberts, 2010).…”

The Effect of Promotional Bundles on Purchase Intent for High, Medium, and Low Vested Sports Tourists Segments within the Context of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets

“…Overall, sports tourism is one of the most overlooked areas of tourism and hospitality [4]. While attention has been given to sports tourism within the context of specific geographic regions [5,6] and the management of sports tourism events [7,8] little attention has been given to exploring which type of promotional bundles are most attractive to the different segments of sports tourists.…”