Dissertation

A study on the relationship between tourism and regeneration policies for historic buildings in the maltese islands

Falzon, Joseph

2017

Overview

Historic buildings promote continuity of a place and represents nation’s cultural values and identity. Despite their wide acknowledged contribution to the tourism and leisure industry, several historic buildings are left abandoned, misused or demolished by neglect. The aim of this research was to examine regeneration policies for historic buildings on the Maltese Islands and their impact on the tourism and leisure industry. This research, based on a pragmatic philosophical stance, employed a mixedmethods sequential explanatory design, whereby a quantitative survey study was followed by qualitative interviews and focus groups for triangulation purposes. A pre-piloted questionnaire comprising of open, closed and 5-point Likert scales was developed from existing policies and distributed amongst all mayors from each of the 68 local councils within Malta and Gozo. Interviews followed with architects, investors, community representatives and decision making stakeholders representing national authorities. The final data collection phase included focus groups that convened all stakeholders that participated in the research. Thematic analysis was conducted from transcribed audio recorded interviews and focus groups. Response rate of questionnaire was 65% (44/68). Less than half of respondents (45%) strongly agreed/agreed that they were aware of the existing national legislation. Only 16% claimed that there is no conflict between planning policies as set out by the policy makers of national authorities and government. Key themes generated from all phases of this study were ‘regeneration potential for tourism and leisure industry, ‘governance for regeneration’ and ‘societal aspirations by regeneration’. This research highlighted the importance of encouraging a culture-led, “bottom-up” approach for regeneration rather than “top-down”. Research is original contribution to knowledge as it identified gaps in policies, and developed insights for niche markets in tourism and leisure industry. The setting up of a single entity responsible for regeneration is recommended to lead regeneration supported by evidence based policies and community participation to ensuring that a sustainable contemporary layer will eventually form part of heritage of future generations.

• Publisher: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses