TOURISM AND RECREATION COMMUNITY SURVEY September 1997 Planning Authority 1
CONTENTS INTRODUCTION METHODOLOGY STRUCTURE OF REPORT SECTION 1 RESPONDENT S PROFILE SECTION 2 TOURISM DEVELOPMENT - ATTITUDES & PERCEPTIONS SECTION 3 RECREATION - PARTICIPATION IN SPORTS SECTION 4 RECREATION - SUMMER AND WINTER INFORMAL RECREATION SECTION 5 RECREATION - ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE SECTION 6 DOMESTIC TOURISM AND TRAVEL ABROAD SECTION 7 CONCLUSION APPENDICES Appendix A : Sample structure Appendix B : Questionnaire 2
Introduction 1 The Structure Plan for the Maltese Islands which had been approved in 1992 is now up for review. As part of this review a number of subject studies will be carried out. The Structure Plan defines subject plans or studies as plans which deal with specific issues relevant to the strategy and may relate to the whole of the territory as might be the case in respect of environmental protection, or to a particular activity such as quarrying. These subject studies will examine in detail a number of important social and economic sectors, particularly housing, commerce and industry and tourism and recreation. 2 The tourism and recreation subject study has the following objectives: to re-evaluate current Structure Plan policies and subsequently provide alternative policy options; to provide clearer and more detailed guidelines to the Planning Authority s Development Control and Local Plans Unit when assessing tourism and recreational projects and policies respectively; to assess the land-use implications of tourism and recreation, and their impacts on the surrounding environment; to identify the existing tourism and recreation facilities, and subsequently assess current trends, demands and expectations of tourists and locals alike. 3 A number of surveys were commissioned involving a number of key players, particularly the tourist and the local residents, to obtain their views and perceptions with regards to the current level of tourism development and the product being offered, as well as the provision of recreational facilities. This report presents the analysis with regards to the Tourism and Recreation Community Survey. This survey was carried out amongst the local residents to identify their perceptions and attitudes with regards to tourism and its related development as well as provide some insight as to the recreational pursuits of the local residents and the demand for facilities. Methodology 4 The following is the methodology adopted as regards the Tourism and Recreation Community Survey, which consisted of around 35 personal interviews to local residents aged 15 years and over: a sample of 5 residents from each Local Plan area was required to be in a position to analyse results even by Local Plan area. Therefore, having obtained the percentage of total population by each local council area, some localities within specific Local Plans had to be multiplied by a factor to achieve the target sample of 5 respondents; the structure of the sample had to reflect the age distribution within each local council area; respondents aged 18 and over were randomly sampled from the electoral register in a manner that would obtain the sample structure required. Those aged between 15 and 17 years were selected randomly from a list provided by the Management Systems Unit, now the MITTS; 3
a list of interviewees was thus complied by each locality with name, address and age bracket to assist officers in the field. The field work was carried out by an independent market research company and the company was given some flexibility in keeping with the list, provided the age structure is maintained. Appendix A gives a breakdown by local council area of the sample structure. Structure of report 5 The analysis of the results will : outline the profile of the respondents who answered the questionnaire identifying their demographic characteristics (e.g. age, sex, status), their occupation and place of permanent residence; provide an insight as to how the local residents perceive tourism and its related developments, what tourism means to them, its impacts to their locality in summer and winter and how tourism may have changed their locality; provide information on sport participation by locals, including type of sport, frequency, facilities used and where; provide information on specific activities relating to informal recreation both in summer and winter as regards locality and frequency; provide information on the use of specific entertainment and cultural activities both in summer and in winter identifying frequency and locality; provide information on travel abroad and domestic tourism both in Malta and Gozo. 4
Section 1 Respondent s profile 1.1 This section will examine the profile of the respondents giving information relating to gender, occupation, civil status, age and locality of permanent residence. 1.2 The breakdown of respondents by gender gave the following result. 51.52% of respondents were females whilst 48.48% were males. 1.3 29% of the respondents stated that they were single whilst 64.5% were married. Only 5.5% were widowed and 1% stated they were separated. 1.4 72.9% of the respondents indicated that they were the heads of household, whilst 25.1% of the respondents were either the sons or daughters of the head of household. Only 2% of the respondents were relatives of the head of household. 1.5 The age breakdown of respondents is given in Figure 1.1 below Fig. 1.1 - Age breakdown of respondents 14% 11% 1% 18% 2% 27% 15-24 25-39 4-49 5-59 6-69 over 69 1.6 Respondents were also asked to indicate the number of people living in the house. 5.2% were living on their own whilst for 17.3% of the respondents two people were living in the house. 22.3 % of the respondents stated that three people lived in their house and 3% stated that four people were living in their house. Results are given in Figure 1.2 below. The average number of persons per household, from the survey s sample, is, therefore, around 3.6 persons. 1.7 41.7% of the respondents still had children below the age of 15 years whilst the remaining 58.3% did not. 5
3% Fig. 1.2 - Number of persons per household 17% 8% 5% 1 person 2 persons 3 persons 4 persons 5 persons more than 5 17% 22% 1.8 Respondents were also asked to indicate their permanent place of residence in winter and whether they move to another locality for the summer. 6.3% (22) of the respondents indicated that they change their place of residence during the summer months. The results are presented in Table 1.1 below. The results indicate the move towards the North West particularly from the Central and South areas and from the Grand Harbour and North Harbours areas. There is also some movement within the South area itself particularly from Zabbar to M Scala and from the Grand Harbour to the South. Most of the movement in Gozo is by the Gozitans themselves but a number of Maltese also tend to spend some of their summer in Gozo. There is very little movement to the North Harbours area. TABLE 1.1 - Movement to summer residences by Local Plan areas by number of respondents summer/ winter M xlokk Bay North West Grand Harbour North Harbours Gozo South Central M xlokk 1 Bay North 12 1 West Grand 1 18 1 3 1 Harbour North 1 16 1 6 1 Harbours Gozo 37 South 8 32 1 17 Central 1 43 3 4 1 6
1.9 A breakdown of respondents by occupation indicates that 33.5% were housewives, 13.8% were retired, 7.3% were students and only 3.1% were unemployed. The other 42.3% were in various occupations as indicated in Table 1.2 below. The job classification is taken from the NACE classification. TABLE 1.2 - OCCUPATION OF RESPONDENTS Job category No. of respondents % of respondents Legislators, senior officials & managers 83 2.4 Professionals 23 5.8 Technicians & associate professionals 149 4.2 Clerks 17 4.8 Service workers & shop & market sales worker 279 7.9 Skilled agricultural & fishery workers 41 1.2 Craft & related trades workers 235 6.8 Plant & machine operators & assemblers 139 3.9 Elementary occupations 162 4.6 Armed forces 26.7 Housewife 1178 33.5 Retired 484 13.8 Unemployed 11 3.1 Student 258 7.3 TOTAL 3517 1% 1.1 35.6% of the respondents indicated they were employees whilst 6.7% stated that they were selfemployed. 8.56 % indicated that they have a part-time job whilst the rest do not. 1.11 One s attitudes and perceptions of tourism depend or are determined, very often, by whether one has worked in the sector or not. 6.3% of the respondents are either working full-time or part-time in the tourism sector whilst another 18.2% have worked in the sector for some time. This indicates that around 25% of the population aged 15 and over have had some form of contact with the tourism sector. 1.12 271 respondents indicated that they have worked or are working in a restaurant whilst 114 respondents worked or are working in a bar. 233 respondents indicated the accommodation sector whilst 29 respondents stated that they have worked or work in other tourism related services. Only 69 respondents have worked in the tourism transport sector. 7
1.13 In addition to those respondents who indicated that they work full-time in the tourism sector, another 1387 respondents indicated their sector of work. The results, based on the ISCO classification system, are given in Table 1.3 below. Interesting to note is the relatively higher percentage of respondents working in the manufacturing and construction industry followed by the public sector. TABLE 1.3 - EMPLOYMENT SECTOR OF RESPONDENTS Sector of employment No. of respondents % of respondents Agriculture and Fishing 41 3 Quarrying 9.6 Manufacturing and Construction 29 21 Wholesale/retail 158 11.4 Tourism 2 1.4 Transport, Post, telecommunications, utilities 129 9.3 Financial services, real estate & computing 84 6.1 Legal, business, market research & advertising 34 2.5 Public sector/administration & parastatal bodies 246 17.6 Education, health & social work 219 15.8 Other community/cultural/recreation/mechanics 157 11.3 TOTAL 1387 1% 8
Section 2 Tourism development - attitudes and perceptions 2.1 The local residents have, in the past, been one of least consulted sectors where it concerns tourism development. This lack of consideration of the social dimension of tourism development and its impacts on the local community has in some cases led to a degree of antagonism and a hostile relationship. This section will provide the results as regards the reactions of the local residents towards tourism development particularly by indicating what tourism means to them, whether it has been of benefit to them, their relationship with tourists (e.g. use of common resources and facilities) and whether tourism development has improved their locality. 2.2 Respondents were asked to indicate the number of years they have been living in their respective locality. The results are given below. From these results one notes that most of the respondents have been living for quite a number of years in their locality to notice any changes that may have occurred. Number of years % of respondents 1-5 years 11.7% 6-1 years 13.6% 11-2 years 29.% 21-3 years 21.1% 31-4 years 13.4% over 4 years 11.2% 2.3 When respondents were asked whether they have seen their locality change, during the years they have been living there, 76.7% responded in the affirmative whilst 2.8% saw no change. The remaining 2.5% do not know. 2.4 Out of those respondents that stated that their area has in fact changed 72% said that the change brought improvements to their locality. 26% stated that the changes did not bring improvements to their locality, on the contrary their locality got worse. 2.5 Respondents were also asked to give their meaning of tourism. Various answers were given and these can be grouped under the following list. To the respondents of this survey, tourism refers to: tourists coming from abroad to visit the Islands; leisure and recreation or a holiday; economic benefits for the country; meeting different people and cultures; new ideas brought by foreigners; creation of jobs; Maltese being able to visit other countries; appreciating our natural and historic heritage as a consequence of tourism; what Malta offers to tourists; Malta s main economic activity/sector; 9
hotels, restaurants and tourists; people travelling abroad; money; a problem. 2.6 Overall the local residents perceive tourism as something positive and an activity where one has the opportunity of improving himself/herself. 9% stated that tourism in Malta and Gozo has been of benefit to them whilst for 6% of the respondents such development has not been of any benefit. The reasons given are: Reason % of respondents Money/revenue 75.3% Exchange ideas 15.8% Employment 44.3% Meeting people 18.3% Awareness of our heritage 5.7% Infrastructure improvements 7.8% Improved environment 3.9% Too much development.8% Degrades the environment.7% Pressures infrastructure.5% Wrong type of tourists.5% 2.7 Respondents were also asked to indicate their perceptions of the number of tourists during the previous summer (i.e. July - September 1996). For 2% of the respondents the level of arrivals was too much whilst for 28% the level of tourist arrivals was just right. On the other hand 54% of the respondents thought that it was not enough whilst the rest did not know. 2.8 26.5% of the respondents indicated that they often come into contact with tourists whilst 29% do so occasionally. 27.5% rarely come in contact with tourists whilst 17% stated that they never do. 2.9 48% of the respondents stated that there is no tourism activity or development in their locality whilst 4% indicated that there is. The rest did not know. 2.1 Respondents stating that there is some tourism development in their locality were asked to indicate their perception of such a level of development. 8% said that it is too much whilst 42% said that it was just right. On the other hand 43% indicated that it is not enough. 2.11 66% of the respondents who stated that there is some tourism development in their locality indicated that such development has improved their locality whilst 19% of the respondents stated that it did not. 1
2.12 Tourism activity requires certain development and increasing such activity will require additional development. Respondents were asked to indicate whether they would agree or not with additional tourism development in their locality. The answers given are presented below. Type of development Agree Disagree Indifferent Not in locality Souvenir shops 54.6% 18.6% 12.9% 13.9% Restaurants 5.% 28.9% 8.2% 12.9% Tourist attractions 7.4% 11.8% 7.7% 1.1% Bars 47.6% 18.8% 7.2% 6.4% New hotels 32.2% 32.3% 6.1% 29.4% Upgrade existing hotels 35.3% 7.8% 5.5% 51.4% 2.13 From the above results one notes that certain forms of development have a lesser degree of acceptance than other. Residents are likely to cope with souvenir shops, bars and tourist attractions, however, there seems to be some resistance to the development of restaurants and new hotels. 2.14 Respondents were given a list of impacts and were asked to indicate whether these were a problem in their locality either during the summer or winter months. Very few respondents indicated that the impacts listed constituted a problem solely during the winter months, whilst a higher number of respondents stated that these constituted a problem during the summer months. Nonetheless, an even higher number of respondents indicated that in their locality these impacts were a problem both during the summer and winter months. The results are presented in Figure 2.1 below. From the results presented it is clear that the infrastructure (i.e. utilities) and the number of tourists do not seem to create problems to the resident community. However, problems are encountered in their locality with respect to parking, the level of noise, cleanliness and the level of traffic. This indicates that local residents are more affected by the level of activity generated by tourism rather than the tourists themselves. Thus a better management of such activities in harmony with the social carrying capacity of the local residents will decrease the likely negative impacts. Fig. 2.1 - Impacts during summer and winter No. of respondents 35 3 25 2 15 1 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 - Parking your car 2 - Noise level 3 - Cleanliness 4 - Level of traffic 5 - Water supply 6 - Electricity supply 7 - Drainage overflows 8 - Too many tourists No problem Problem in summer Problem in winter Problem in both seasons 11
2.15 Another impact with regards to tourism activity is that very often such an activity competes with the local community for the use of specific facilities. Respondents were asked to indicate whether they felt that the number of tourists making use of specific facilities during the winter and summer months was too much or too few. The results are given in Figure 2.2. Most respondents feel that there is quite a substantial number of tourists making use of beaches during the summer and that they are competing with these over the use of such facilities. As regards the use of historic sites by tourists most of the locals do not know whether there is an extensive use or otherwise by tourists of such facilities, possibly because locals do not visit much such local historic sites. Finally, there is the perception that tourists do not frequent much restaurants during the winter months whilst there is a high use during the summer months, possibly since fewer tourists visit the Islands during the winter months. Fig. 2.2 - Level of tourists using specific facilities during the summer and winter seasons No. of respondents 2 18 16 14 12 1 8 6 4 2 Too much Just right Not enough Don't know 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 - Beaches during summer 4 - Historic sites during summer 2 - Restaurants during summer 5 - Historic sites during winter 3 - Restaurants during winter 6 - Countryside during winter 2.16 The public consultation process which is part of the Planning Authority s Development Control procedure has provided a means whereby local residents can air their views on specific projects. Respondents were asked to indicate whether they have in fact aired their views on specific tourism projects. 6% of the respondents indicated that they aired their views against specific projects whilst only 2% had views in favour of specific projects. The remaining 92% did not air any views. 2.17 Those who aired their views against specific projects mainly did so through their respective local councils. Very few made use of Planning Authority meetings, or local papers or protest marches. Those who stated they were in favour of specific projects did so mainly through the local councils. 12
Section 3 Recreation - Participation in Sports 3.1 Sport is one form of recreation activity which is an indication of how active a society is. 17.2% (65) of the respondents indicated that they practise at least one sport. The rest do not. This section will present the results relating to the type of sports practised, the facilities used and where and how often one practises his specific sport. 3.2 In fact out of the 65 respondents 461 respondents practise one sport, 123 respondents indicated that they practise two sports and 21 respondents stated that they practise three types of sports. 3.3 The 65 respondents who stated that they practised some form of sport were asked to indicate the sport or sports they practise or participate in. The results showing the main sporting activities are presented in Figure 3.1 below. Fig. 3.1 - Main sports practised by respondents 25 2 No. of respondents 15 1 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2 21 22 23 24 1 - Football 2 - Snooker/Billiards 3 - Hunting 4 - Jogging 5 - Tennis 6 - Volleyball 7 - Martial arts 8 - Athletics 9 - Aerobics/Fitness 1 - Netball 11 - Swimming 12 - Diving 13 - Table tennis 14 - Basketball 15 - Bocci 16 - Water-sports 17 - Horse-riding 18 - Squash 19 - Indoor sports 2 - Bodybuilding 21 - Major impact sports 22 - Fishing 23 - Walking 24 - Other 13
3.4 Respondents were also asked to indicate what facilities they use when practising their sport. These facilities range from gyms to football grounds to youth centers to the countryside. Figure 3.2 below lists the main facilities used. One notes the relatively high use of kazini/clubs and gymnasia as well as football grounds. The other category includes various other facilities in various locations and at respondent s own home. 3.5 1.8% of those respondents who stated they practise at least one sport indicated that they do so only once a month. 35% stated that they practise their sport once a week, 5.6% practise their sport 2 to 4 times a week whilst 21.1% practise their sport everyday. Only 5% do so during the weekend, whilst another 5% indicated other frequencies. Fig. 3.2 - Main facilities used by respondents 12 No. of respondents 1 8 6 4 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 11 12 13 14 1 - Kazini /clubs 2 - Sports courts 3 - Fields/countryside 4 - Grounds 5 - Gyms 6 - Pitches 7 - Sea 8 - Tracks 9 - Marsa Sports Club 1 - Schools 11 - Streets 12 - Shooting ranges 13 - Swimming pool 14 - Other 3.6 As regards the adequacy or otherwise of the facilities used, 83% of the respondents indicated that they were satisfied with the facilities they were using to practise their particular sport whilst 44% stated that they were not satisfied with certain facilities. 1 1 The percentages do not add to 1% since some respondents indicated that they participate in more than one type of sport, and therefore, the same respondent would be satisfied with the facilities for one particular sport and not for another. 14
3.7 As regards those facilities which respondents rated as needing improvements, football pitches top the list. However, respondents also indicated that gyms, facilities for athletics, horse racing facilities, tennis courts, waterpolo pitches volleyball courts, bocci pitches and hunting areas all need improvements. 3.8 With regards to the localities where respondents practise their various sports one notes that football is mainly practised in all local plan areas. For aerobics/fitness sessions respondents mainly go to the North West, North Harbours, Gozo and South local plan areas. Athletics are practised mainly at Marsa whilst tennis is practised mainly in the Grand Harbour, North Harbours and Gozo local plan areas. Diving activity is mainly concentrated in the North West, North Harbours and Gozo local plan areas with netball and squash in the Grand Harbour and Central areas. As regards the other sports these are practised in various localities. 3.9 A person s time for recreation and particularly sports activities also depends on the ownership of certain facilities and equipment. For example, the use of internet competes with other forms of recreational activities for one s leisure time and particularly the practise of sports. Figure 3.3 indicates the ownership of certain equipment by the respondents. Fig. 3.3 - Equipment owned by respondents 9 8 %. of respondents 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 11 12 13 14 15 1 - car 2-4-wheel drive 3 - bicycle 4 - motor boat 5 - sailing boat 6 - water-skis 7 - caravan 8 - tent 9 - windsurfer 1 - cable TV 11 - satellite dish 12 - video-recorder 13 - computer 14 - internet 15 - hunting gun 3.1 Around 83% of the respondents said that their family owns a car. Interesting to note that 11% of the respondents own a motor boat. The video-recorder has become a common household item with 74% of the respondents owning one, and 43% of the families interviewed have installed cable TV. Whilst 32% of the respondents said that they have a computer at home only 5% are subscribed to internet. Almost 17% of the respondents own a hunting gun. 15
Section 4 Recreation - Summer and Winter Informal Recreation 4.1 Apart from sports activities, informal recreation is another form of activity that is carried out during one s leisure time. Informal recreation refers to those activities that one carries out with very little planning ahead, at a time that one decides, for as long as one wants and without needing any special facilities. Such activities include going for a walk, visiting relatives, BBQs, going swimming, reading, etc. Respondents were asked to identify from a given list of such activities which of them do they mostly carry out during the summer and winter months. The results are presented in Figure 4.1. The majority of respondents watch TV although the number decreases slightly during the summer months. There is a relatively small percentage who go camping during summer, but the number decreases further during winter. Swimming and BBQs are particular to the summer whilst reading and family gatherings are slightly higher for the winter months. Going for a walk is both a summer and winter activity. More people visit public gardens in the winter than in summer. Fig. 4.1 - Informal Recreation activities in Summer and Winter no. of respondents 3 25 2 15 1 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 11 1 - watch TV 2 - go camping 3 - go walking 4 - read 5 - family gatherings 6 - go to the beach 7 - BBQs 8 - voluntary work Summer Winter 9 - visit gardens 1 - go fishing 11 - other 4.2 The survey has also sought to obtain some information on the frequency of such recreational activities. From the results below respondents tend to spend much more time watching TV in winter than they do in summer. Hours in front of TV Summer Winter 1 hour 3% 19% 2 hours 36% 32% 3 hours 18% 22% 4 hours 8% 14% over 4 hours 8% 13% 16
4.3 Although a limited number of respondents said that they go camping nonetheless appropriate facilities to accommodate such an activity need to be provided. The results below show in length of days the duration of a camping holiday. Days spent camping Summer Winter 1 day 4% 9% 2 days 1% 7% 3 days 38% 31% 4 days 8% 22% over 4 days 4% 31% 4.4 Table 4.1 below presents the results, by number of respondents, with regards to the frequency of various other activities, comparing summer to winter. 4.5 People spend more time out during the summer. In fact more respondents go for walks during the summer months than winter respondents. On the other hand respondents devote more time to reading during the winter months than they do in summer. Families seem to gather and meet much more frequently during the summer months than in winter. More respondents tend to visit public gardens in winter than in summer, whilst there are still some respondents who still go to the beach and have BBQs in winter. 4.6 Apart from knowing how many respondents participate in certain activities and how often they do so, it is equally important to know where they go to for such activities. Figure 4.2 below lists the main activities indicating how important each local plan area is for each activity. The main areas for walking are Birzebbuga, Sliema, St. Paul s Bay and M Scala. The prime swimming areas are St. Paul s Bay, Birzebbuga, Golden Bay, Gnejna, Ghadira, Sliema, M Forn, Ramla l-hamra and Bahar ic-caghaq. The areas most sought for BBQs are Birzebbuga, Armier Bay, Ghadira, Golden Bay and Bahar ic-caghaq whilst the main areas for fishing are in the Marsaxlokk Bay and North West Local Plan areas. Although only a small number of respondents indicated that they go for camping in the summer months, the main areas indicated are in the North West and Gozo. The use of public gardens during summer is limited but respondents indicated that they prefer localities in the North West and Central Local Plan areas. 17
Table 4.1 - Frequency of activities by number of respondents Activity Every day Few times a week Few times a month Go walking in summer 55 655 16 27 Go walking in winter 273 687 355 33 Reading in summer 77 272 33 2 Reading in winter 98 284 38 1 Family gatherings in summer 282 49 213 25 Family gatherings in winter 258 568 278 26 Go to beach in summer 44 127 418 58 Go to beach in winter 5 25 15 2 Have a BBQ in summer 6 219 69 242 Have a BBQ in winter 1 12 23 18 Do voluntary work in summer 3 48 21 14 Do voluntary work in winter 32 78 33 17 Visit public gardens in summer 21 51 4 22 Visit public gardens in winter 11 13 14 35 Go fishing in summer 21 167 93 34 Go fishing in winter 3 62 76 24 Less than once a month Fig. 4.2 - Main Informal Recreation activities in each local plan area for summer no. of respondents 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 1 - go walking 2 - go to the beach 3 - BBQs 4 - go fishing Marsaxlokk Bay North West Grand Harbour North Harbours Gozo South Central Various 18
4.7 Figure 4.3 below presents the results for three main recreational activities carried out during the winter months and namely, walking, visiting playgrounds and going fishing. The main localities for walking are M Xlokk, Birzebbuga, Rabat, Mellieha, Buskett, Sliema, Xaghra, Sannat, Siggiewi, Qormi and Mosta. The main localities for playgrounds and public gardens are Buskett, Rabat and San Anton. Fig. 4.3 - Main Informal Recreation activities in each local plan area for winter no. of respondents 3 25 2 15 1 5 Marsaxlokk Bay North West Grand Harbour North Harbours Gozo South Central Various 1 2 3 1 - go walking 2 - visit playgrounds/public gardens 3 - go fishing Fig. 4.4 - New Recreational Facilities required 2 no. of respondents 15 1 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 - public gardens 2 - playgrounds 3 - promenades 4 - countryside footpaths 5 - horse riding routes 6 - piazzas 7 - clubs 8 - sports facilities 9 - Other 19
4.8 46% of the respondents think that the existing recreational facilities in their locality are adequate whilst 51% think they are not adequate and improvements are required. These include the following: cleaner public gardens and playing fields; repair of fountains, playgrounds and related equipment; more sports facilities and improvement to sports grounds; seating facilities; entertainment facilities including cinemas, catering outlets, bars and BBQ areas; pedestrianised areas and walking footpaths; more recreational open spaces; centers for youths and the elderly; adequate parking areas for hotels and restaurants; cultural outings for senior citizens; reduce the level of development; safety measures for children; more lighting; public toilets; picnic areas and camping sites; and, more greenery and a better countryside. 4.9 With regards to new recreational facilities in their locality respondents indicated that some new facilities are needed. Figure 4.4 above presents the results which indicate those facilities respondents think are necessary. 4.1 Public gardens, sports facilities and playgrounds feature quite prominently in the list of new facilities that the local residents expect in their locality. Countryside footpaths and clubs are other important recreational facilities which residents feel there is a lack of in their locality. 2
Section 5 Recreation - Entertainment and Culture 5.1 Recreational activities also include entertainment and cultural activities. Within these categories of recreational activities one includes visits to the theatre, cinemas, museums, restaurants, bars, etc. Respondents were asked to indicate whether they participate in such activities giving information on the location they usually choose to carry out such an activity and the frequency. The results are presented in this section and make a comparative analysis between the summer and winter months. 5.2 Going to the theatre, cinema or museum is a cultural recreational activity. By going to the theatre, for example, one seeks entertainment but usually also seeks to improve his/her cultural knowledge. Similarly visiting museums provide a venue for cultural self-improvement. The results indicating how many of the respondents participated in such forms of cultural recreation are given below. Theatre attendance is very high during the winter months whilst a small percentage attend theatrical activities both in summer and winter. Cinema attendance is also quite high during the winter months considering that 18% attend the cinema only during the winter whilst an additional 14.4% during both seasons. Attendance to the cinemas during the summer months although somewhat high falls substantially when compared to the winter months. As regards attendance to museums and historic sites the results indicate that these are more popular during the winter months, although there is a small percentage who take advantage of the summer holidays to pay a visit to such sites. Activity Summer only Winter only Both seasons visit the theatre.3% 14.6% 3% go to the cinema 1% 18% 14.4% visit museums/historic sites 3.3% 1% 6% 5.4 Respondents were also asked to indicate how often they carry out such activities. With regards to attending theatrical activities 5% of the respondents stated that they do so a few times during the month whilst 12% of the respondents go less than once a month. Although, attendance to the cinema is also not quite regular, nonetheless, it is sought much more frequently than the theatre. Whilst only 3.5% said that they go to the cinema a few times during the week, 16% go a few times during the month and 13.8% go less than once a month. 5.5 On being asked the number of times respondents visited a museum or historic site during the last six months almost 5% of the respondents said that they had done this only once during this period whilst 4.2% had gone twice and 2.7% three times. The remaining 7.4% stated that they visited such sites more than three times during the past six months. Although a relatively high percentage of respondents visit such sites nonetheless it is not a frequent pursuit as with the cinema and the theatre. 5.6 In addition to the above cultural pursuits, respondents were asked to indicate whether they go to libraries (excluding school and University libraries). Only 1% of the respondents answered in the affirmative. Out of these 1% do so during the summer months, 2% during the winter months and 7% during both seasons. 1.5% said that they visit libraries a few times during the week whilst 5.5% do so a few times during the month. Only 3% go less than once a month. 21
5.7 Respondents were also asked to indicate in which localities they usually prefer to go when carrying out such recreational activities. The results for each of these activities are presented by Local Plan area in the figures below. Fig. 5.1 - Areas respondents go to for theatrical activities by Local Plan area 4 no. of respondents 35 3 25 2 15 1 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 summer winter both seasons 1 - North West 2 - Gozo 3 - Marsaxlokk Bay 4 - Grand Harbour 5 - Central 6 - South 7 - North Harbours 8 - Various localities 5.8 Theatrical activity is mainly concentrated in the Grand Harbour area and particularly in Valletta and Floriana. With the development of cinemas in various localities the new areas are also sought, however, Paceville/St. Julian s still remains the prime locality for going to the cinema. Visiting museums and historic sites is widely spread in various localities except in the Marsaxlokk Bay, North Harbours and Central Local Plan areas. Similarly, respondents go to libraries in various localities, but still the facilities in Floriana are the most popular. 22
Fig. 5.2 - Areas respondents seek when going to the cinema by Local Plan area no. of respondents 45 4 35 3 25 2 15 1 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 summer winter both seasons 1 - North West 2 - Gozo 3 - Marsaxlokk Bay 4 - Grand Harbour 5 - Central 6 - South 7 - North Harbours 8 - Various localities Fig. 5.3 - Areas respondents seek when visiting museums and historic sites by Local Plan area 12 no. of respondents 1 8 6 4 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 summer winter both seasons 1 - North West 2 - Gozo 3 - Marsaxlokk Bay 4 - Grand Harbour 5 - Central 6 - South 7 - North Harbours 8 - Various localities 23
Fig. 5.4 - Areas respondents seek when going to the the library by Local Plan area 12 no. of respondents 1 8 6 4 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 summer winter both seasons 1 - North West 2 - Gozo 3 - Marsaxlokk Bay 4 - Grand Harbour 5 - Central 6 - South 7 - North Harbours 8 - Various localities 5.9 Apart from cultural recreation respondents were also asked to provide information as regards their entertainment activity, particularly eating out, going to bars and discos. The results indicating what percentage of respondents participate in such activities are given below. Clearly restaurants are more frequented than bars and discos. It is interesting to note that around 39% of the respondents stated that they do not go to restaurants. The attendance at restaurants is slightly higher in the winter months where it concerns the local residents. Activity Summer only Winter only Both seasons go to a restaurant 7.3% 1% 44% go to a bar 3.3% 2.5% 23% go to a disco 1.3% 2.2% 9.3% 5.1 Results were also obtained with regards to how often respondents visit such establishments. 12.5% of the respondents go to the restaurant a few times a week whilst 31.8% a few times during the month. 16.6% go less than once a month. 3.3% of the respondents go to bars every day whilst 14.3% a few times a week. 9% go a few times a month with only about 2% going less than once a month. Although fewer respondents go to bars than restaurants, nonetheless, the frequency of going to a bar is higher than going to a restaurant. As regards discos the frequency is even less. Just over 5% go to a disco a few times during the week whilst another 5% a few times during the month. 2% stated that they go less than once a month. 24
Fig. 5.5 - Areas respondents seek when going to a restaurant by Local Plan area 45 no. of respondents 4 35 3 25 2 15 1 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 summer winter both seasons 1 - North West 2 - Gozo 3 - Marsaxlokk Bay 4 - Grand Harbour 5 - Central 6 - South 7 - North Harbours 8 - Various localities 5.11 Restaurant facilities are found almost all over the Islands. However, some localities are preferred to others and Figure 5.5 above shows which of these areas are preferred. Although with a substantial number of respondents there is no one locality but various, nonetheless the localities within the North West, North Harbours, South and Gozo Local Plan areas are more popular both in summer and winter. Gozo and the North Harbours Local Plan areas are more popular in winter, whilst the North West and the South Local Plan areas in summer. Fig. 5.6 - Areas respondents seek when going to a bar by Local Plan area 3 no. of respondents 25 2 15 1 5 summer winter both seasons 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 - North West 2 - Gozo 3 - Marsaxlokk Bay 4 - Grand Harbour 5 - Central 6 - South 7 - North Harbours 8 - Various localities 25
5.12 Respondents indicated that they go to bars in all localities, however, the most popular spots are the North Harbours and the North West areas. As regards discos since facilities are mainly concentrated in one particular locality, namely Paceville, naturally the North Harbours area is the most popular for such an activity. Fig. 5.7 - Areas respondents seek when going to a disco by Local Plan area 25 no. of respondents 2 15 1 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 summer winter both seasons 1 - North West 2 - Gozo 3 - Marsaxlokk Bay 4 - Grand Harbour 5 - Central 6 - South 7 - North Harbours 8 - Various localities 5.13 For 42% of the respondents the existing entertainment/cultural facilities in their locality are not adequate for the local residents whilst 55% think they are. Various reasons were given for this inadequacy and these are listed below: more and bigger clubs; safer playgrounds for children; youth centers and centers for the elderly; picnic areas; more playgrounds and playing fields; control over entertainment spots in terms of closure and noise; use of parish hall for various functions; school public library should open until the evening; some entertainment establishments are not suitable for certain villages; more theaters; more nightlife; facilities in certain areas are non-existent; sports activities; clean beaches; 26
Fig. 5.8 - New Entertainment/Cultural facilities needed 14 no. of respondents 12 1 8 6 4 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 - Bars 2 - Restaurants 3 - Discos 4 - Theatre 5 - Cinemas 6 - Museums 7 - Libraries 8 - Other 5.14 Respondents have also indicated what new entertainment/cultural facilities they think are needed in their locality. The results are presented in Figure 5.8 above. Cinemas and libraries rank high on the list of those facilities respondents would like to have available in their locality. 5.15 Although it is important to identify those facilities which local residents think are necessary within their locality, it is also important to know in which localities these are mostly required. Figure 5.9 below gives a breakdown of the various entertainment/cultural facilities needed by local plan area. Residents of Gozo wish to see more bars, restaurant and libraries in their localities. The South Local Plan Area residents wish to have more bars, restaurants, theatrical venues, museums and libraries whilst those in the North Harbours Area expressed the need for theatre venues and libraries. The North West Area residents request theatre venues and libraries. On the other hand all areas except the North Harbours and Gozo indicated that cinemas are lacking in their locality. The Grand Harbour area residents wish to have more restaurant facilities whilst disco facilities are lacking in the Marsaxlokk Bay and Grand Harbour Areas. 27
Fig. 5.9 - New Entertainment/Cultural facilities needed by Local Plan Areas 25 no. of respondents 2 15 1 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 - Bars 2 - Restaurants 3 - Discos 4 - Theatre 5 - Cinemas 6 - Museums 7 - Libraries Marsaxlokk Bay North West Grand Harbour North Harbours Gozo South Central 5.16 Transport is very important for recreational activities. People need to get from one place to another. Respondents were asked to indicate which means of transport they usually use during their free time. The results are presented in Figure 5.1. 5.17 The car remains the main form of transport with 46% stating that they usually use their own car. 4% make use of their friend s car whilst 22% make use of the family car. 34% make use of public transport and 14.5% prefer to go on foot. The use of a bicycle is not so popular as yet for recreational activities. 28
Fig. 5.1 - Means of Transport used during free time %. of respondents 5 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 - Own car 2 - Friend's car 3 - Family car 4 - On foot 5 - Cycling 6 - Public Transport 7 - Other 5.18 The improvement of the public transport service can encourage a decrease in the number of cars on the road. 57% of the respondents stated that they make use of public transport whilst the rest do not. Only 7% make use of public transport to go to work, whilst 47% make use of this service for other reasons rather than work e.g. shopping, going to the beach, going out in the evening, etc. 3% use public transport both for work and recreation. For 54% of the respondents the public transport is satisfactory whilst for 43% it is not. The main improvements suggested are: introduction of timetables and more punctuality; better service from the drivers; smart uniforms; no smoking on buses; improve buses in terms of ventilation and reduce pollution emissions; frequent service; improve bus termini; better ticketing; buses should be adequate to cater for those with special needs; buses should stop at bus lay-bys; extend service after 1. p.m. 5.19 65% of the respondents stated that they are not members of any club or association whilst the remaining 35% are. Out of those 1214 respondents who specified to form members of some club or association the following is a breakdown of the clubs or associations they form part of. The majority of respondents are members in either a sports club or religious group with Band clubs in third place. 29
Club/Association % of respondents members in a club/association Band club 15% Sports club 26% Dance group.3% Choir 1.3% Gym 16% Music Group 1.4% Cultural Group 4.4% Drama Group 1.5% Environmental Group 2.1% Religious Group 24% Other groups 39% 3
Section 6 Domestic Tourism and Travel Abroad 6.1 Travelling abroad together with the occasional holiday break either in Malta or Gozo constitute other important aspects with regards to leisure activities of the local residents. This section will provide information as regards the overseas travel patterns, duration of holiday, destinations and purpose of travel. Results are limited to leisure travel and respondents were not asked to indicate any travel for business since this is not part of leisure. Information has also been gathered with regards to domestic tourism patterns, i.e. holidays in Malta and Gozo, particularly on the localities respondents stayed at and the accommodation used, together with the period during which the holiday or break was taken. 6.2 Between September 1995 and September 1996, 28% of the local residents indicated that they took at least one holiday during that year. In fact 22% took one holiday, 5% two holidays and the remaining 1% took more than two holidays. The average number of holidays abroad taken by the local residents over the last year is 1.4 holidays. 6.3 Respondents also indicated the months during which they took their last holiday. 7% travelled during the month of August, 5% during September and 4% during July. Summer is the main period for travelling for most of the local residents. As regards the other seasons, around 4.5% had their last holiday during the winter months whilst the remaining 7.5% during the shoulder months. 6.4 The main purpose of the holiday for those who had travelled during the previous year was mainly for leisure. The results are given below. Purpose of travel % of respondents who travelled during the year educational/cultural 8% sports 2% leisure 58% visit friends/relatives 9% health 1% shopping 7% other reasons 6% 31
6.5 The duration of the holiday varied with the average being 1.5 days. The results are given below. Length of stay % of respondents who travelled during the year less than 7 days 29% between 7 to 13 days 48% between 14 to 2 days 14% more than 2 days 9% 6.6 Respondents were also asked to indicate up to three destinations which they had visited during the previous year (i.e. between September 1995 and September 1996). Europe was the main destination with countries like the UK & Ireland, Italy & Sicily and France at the top of the list. Tunisia has also grown to be a very popular destination with the Maltese whilst a relatively high number have visited Canada & the USA. The results are presented below. Destination number of respondents % of respondents who had a holiday UK & Ireland 29 29% Italy 221 22% Sicily 138 14% France 16 11% Belgium & Netherlands 39 4% Germany, Austria & Switzerland 78 8% Tunisia 82 8% Spain & Portugal 71 7% Eastern Europe 43 4% Other Europe 23 2% Canada & USA 62 6% Africa 22 2% Other 35 3% 6.7 39% (1378) of the respondents indicated that they had taken at least one short break holiday in either Malta or Gozo during the previous year. This figure is an indication of the level of domestic tourism within the Maltese Islands. The main period during which such a break was taken was mainly during the summer period as shown in the results presented below. The Sta. Maria period also attracts a relatively higher number of holiday makers than the other holiday periods. 32
Fig. 6.1 - Time of year respondents took a short break in Malta or Gozo no. of respondents 12 1 8 6 4 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 - Christmas 2 - Easter 3 - Sta. Maria 4 - Carnival 5 - Summer 6 - Winter 7 - San Gorg 6.8 Respondents were also asked to indicate which localities they stayed at during their holiday or short break in Malta and Gozo. The results show that Gozo features prominently as a destination for domestic tourism followed by localities in the North West Local Plan area particularly St. Paul s Bay. Although holiday makers stay in various localities in Gozo, nonetheless, Xlendi, Marsalforn and Victoria are the main localities. A number of respondents also visited Comino. Table 6.1 shows the results for each local plan area. Table 6.1 - Areas respondents stayed in during their holiday Local Plan Area No. of respondents % of respondents Marsaxlokk Bay 19 1.4% North West 127 9% Grand Harbour 13 1% North Harbours 24 2% Gozo 172 77% South 26 2% Central 18 2% Various localities 45 3% 6.9 The average length of stay of the last holiday taken in the Maltese Islands was around 8.5 days. 22% of the respondents indicated that their stay was for only one day. These were probably day-trippers. On the other hand, 12% stayed for two days, 26% for three days and 33% stayed between four and fifteen days. The remaining 7% stayed for more than fifteen days. 6.1 1259 respondents specified the location of their last holiday. 79.6% of these spent their last holiday in Gozo, 1% in the Marsaxlokk Bay area, 9.4% in the North West,.5% in the Grand Harbour area, 1.7% in the North Harbours areas, 1.4% in the South,.8% in the Central area and 5.6% in various other localities. 33
6.11 The main form of accommodation used during this last holiday was a rented flat. 1119 respondents specified the type of accommodation used and 52% of these stayed in a rented flat. The results giving the other types of accommodation used are presented in Figure 6.2. Fig. 6.2 - Type of accommodation used during holiday 6% 1% 13% 51% 3% 1% 4% 12% hotel rented flat rented villa/farmhouse second home relatives/friends tent, boathouse, caravan boat other 6.12 The private car was the main means of transport during this holiday with 665 (48%) respondents out of 1378 stating so. 11% made use of a friend s car, 24% of the family car, 4% on foot,.1% cycled there way, 8% used public transport and 1% made use of other means of transport. The percentages do not add to 1% since some respondents made use of more than one means of transport. 34
Section 7 Conclusion 7.1 The above results give a very detailed analysis of both the perceptions and attitudes of the local residents with regards to tourism development and their activities during their leisure time. The analysis has sought to highlight those results which may have implications with regards to land use and development factors. The main results are summarised below: 6.3% of the respondents indicated that they go to their summer residence during the summer months. The main localities are in the North West (St. Paul s Bay), Gozo and the South (Marsascala); 25% of the respondents had worked in tourism either part-time or full-time; 72% of the respondents have seen tourism development as beneficial to their locality in various ways although there is a percentage of the population, 26%, that indicated otherwise; 9% of the respondents stated that tourism in Malta and Gozo has been of benefit to them whilst for 6% it has not; The main benefits of tourism are economic, cultural interaction and infrastructural improvements; Although most of the respondents indicated that they would like to see the level of tourist arrivals increase during the summer months, on the other hand, many respondents would not like to have new hotels built in their locality. However, souvenir shops, restaurants and tourist attractions are more acceptable; Impacts on specific infrastructure are perceived to be a problem throughout the year and not so much during the summer months only. These aspects include parking, traffic, cleanliness and the noise levels. Respondents perceive there is very little impact of tourism on the utilities infrastructure (e.g. water and electricity) and the provision of such services is not so much a problem; As regards the impact of the level of tourists on specific facilities, most respondents feel that during the summer months beaches are quite crowded. On the other hand not enough tourists are perceived to make use of restaurants during the winter months as in summer; Very few respondents have ever aired their views with regards to tourism development projects and those that did, mainly, made use of their respective local councils; 17.2% of the respondents indicated that they participate in some form of sporting activity; Football tops the list of sports practised. Other activities which are also widely practised include billiards, hunting, tennis and aerobics/fitness; The main facilities used include kazini /clubs, football grounds, fields/countryside and gyms; Walking is a recreational activity which is carried out both during the summer and the winter. Camping is mainly a summer activity whilst visiting public gardens/playgrounds is more popular during the winter season; The main local plan areas for walking in summer are Marsaxlokk Bay, North West, North Harbours and the South. In winter the North West, Gozo, North Harbours and the South; The main local plan areas for swimming are Marsaxlokk Bay, North West and Gozo, whilst the North West is very popular for BBQs; Respondents would like to see more public gardens, playgrounds and sports facilities; Attendance to the cinema is much higher during the winter than in summer whilst going to the theatre is mainly a winter activity. Very few local residents visit museums and historic sites; 35