ABSTRACT
The earlier chapters of this book havedocumented the increasing recognition, by partic-ipants, policy-makers and providers, of sportstourism as an important sector of the tourismindustry and Chapter 2 described the range ofareas in which sport and tourism might be linkedfor mutual benefit. Furthermore, Chapters 5 and 8 highlight the nature of sports tourism as aheterogeneous area, with a range of differentmarkets offering potential to a destination seekingto diversify in this area. It would appear that theMediterranean island of Malta possesses a number of advantages that would enable it to exploit some of these markets, perhaps particularly those relating to sports training, sports participation tourism,tourism with sports content and sports eventsidentified in the Model of Sports Tourism Types in Chapter 8. This case study examines the devel-opment and potential of sports tourism as animportant niche market in Malta, together withvarious problems which may constrain such devel-opment. It is based on an analysis of keydocuments, correspondence and interviews withMinistry officials, interviews with key personnel at 154a number of important sports facilities, as well as personal observations gainedthrough several visits to the island.
