ABSTRACT
This chapter concerns the major features of the tourism industries of Italy and Malta. Italy has a long pedigree as a tourist destination, whereas Malta is a relative newcomer: in this chapter, the nature of tourism infrastructure and demand in both countries is contrasted. While the mountainous character of much of the Italian Peninsula is an obstacle to surface transport, this has been largely overcome through superb engineering. Road and rail are the transport modes used by most tourists both to and within Italy, whereas Malta is dependent on air transport for international tourism. In Malta, the small size of the islands and their limited natural resources impose a capacity ceiling for tourism development. The island is primarily a beach destination, despite a wealth of cultural resources, whereas in Italy tourism is mainly cultural in nature. Due to its size and historical background Italy is divided into a number of culturally distinct regions, and the contrast between the north and the south of the country is particularly significant. Even in Malta there are contrasts between the main island and Gozo, which qualifies for EU regional funding. Concerning tourism demand, it will be seen that Italy is a major generator of international tourism but domestic tourism is of even greater significance in this country.
