MINISTRY OF TOURISM SEMINAR ON CARRYING CAPACITY - THE FINAL PROPOSALS

MINISTRY OF TOURISM SEMINAR ON CARRYING CAPACITY – THE FINAL PROPOSALS

The Ministry of Tourism is organising a half day (9.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m.) seminar on Thursday 15^thJune, at the Victoria Hotel, Sliema to present the Carrying Capacity Assessment findings and proposals. The presentation will be made to representatives from the tourism industry, various Ministries, Government agencies and NGO's.

The Ministry of Tourism commissioned an extensive Carrying Capacity Assessment Study, based on UNEP guidelines. Carrying Capacity has been defined by the World Tourism Organisation as "the maximum number of people that may visit a tourist destination at the same time without causing destruction of the physical, economic and socio-cultural environment and an unacceptable decrease in the quality of visitors' satisfaction."

Following an analysis of extensive data collated over an eighteen month period, now compiled in an official report, the Ministry and the Malta Tourism Authority undertook the task to identify a preferred development scenario, its implications, and the consideration of related limiting factors affecting tourism growth to guide the development of the industry for the years to come.

Ministry and Malta Tourism Authority officials will speak about the methodology of the assessment and the findings of the study. The preferred development scenario and the implications for its implementation will be presented. These will be followed by a discussion. The Minister for Tourism will conclude the seminar.