Exploring Scuba Diving Tourism Sector in Malta and Its Sustainable Impact on the Island

Scuba diving is not only a sport, but a niche sector contributing to Malta’s tourism product. During 2018, 4.9% of all inbound tourists were motivated to visit Malta by scuba diving, whereas if one includes those who decided to try it during their stay, the figure goes to 6.5%, which in numeric terms translates to a total of almost 170,000 people. This entails the use of marine environment which outlines the issue of sustainability. Therefore, the scope of this study is to examine legislation and its enforcement in relation to scuba diving but also other sectors ‘competing’ within the marine environment such as fishing and vessel anchoring. A qualitative approach was adopted, where interviews were held with the key stakeholders within the sector. Secondary research was also carried out, in particular documentary analysis of all the legislation that may in one way or another affect the scuba diving sector. A key document was a master plan for the diving industry that was conceived in 2011 and still in the process of implementation. The findings suggest that more laws are needed especially regarding protection of the marine environment upon which the industry depends. However, many of the stakeholders interviewed see the enforcement of existing marine-related legislation as insufficient. They pointed out the lack of coordination between the different bodies entrusted with different aspects of marine law enforcement. A solution would be to have one body with representatives from all the agencies to ensure better coordination of enforcement efforts.