/library/oar/handle/123456789/7731 2025-12-27T06:34:46Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/9039 Title: The dependence on tourism of the small states of Europe Abstract: This study investigates the dependence of the small states of Europe on tourism, using two indicators namely income and employment. This study adopts the income and employment indicators as a measure of analysis. The methodology employed in this investigation is statistical analysis. This study analyse the Travel and Tourism Impacts in small states by using the reports generated by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). These reports contain data that relates to the economic impact of tourism in 181 countries and 20 regions including the small states of Europe. The WTTC adopts the Tourism Satellite Accounting methods in order to be able to compare between the various countries. This research draws on the analyses of the WTTC statistics to construct its own conclusion and data. The investigation mainly concludes that the small states of Europe do depend on tourism more than other member states. The research moreover sheds light on how the size and the geographical position of states influences the importance of tourism in the economies. Description: M.A.ISLANDS&SMALL STAT.STUD. 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/7725 Title: EU regional funding to island regions and its effects in mitigating the geographical disadvantages of these regions Abstract: Literature review suggests that the development of certain regions is hindered by their geographical features such as insularity which characterises island regions. The European Union (EU) dedicates a considerable percentage of its budget to its regional policy of which the main aim is that of assisting EU regions in their development. However, the allocation of EU regional funding is not generally based on whether or not a region is disadvantaged geographically but rather on the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of the regions as a percentage of the EU average GDP per capita. The lower the GDP per capita of a region, the more funds that region is expected to receive. Still, exceptions are made with regards the outermost regions (ORs) - the majority of which are NUTS II island regions - which are subjected to special EU regional funding measures on the basis of their geographical features which put them at a disadvantaged position. The remaining NUTS II island regions, however, are not subjected to any special measures. With this in mind, this study aimed at first determining whether or not non-OR island regions are in fact disadvantaged by their geographical features and secondly, establishing to what extent the current EU regional funding system helps island regions in their mitigation of their geographical disadvantages. The research has been carried out by consulting a wide range of sources ranging from publications to statistics, government sources and journal and newspaper articles. The last part of the thesis explored whether or not there is the need for an EU regional policy which provides special measures for island regions. The results have indicated that island regions are to a great extent geographically disadvantaged and that the current EU regional funding system assists island regions only to a certain degree. vii Therefore, the conclusion of the thesis is that special measures should be adopted specifically for all island regions in order to compensate for their geographical handicaps. Description: M.A.ISLANDS&SMALL STAT.STUD. 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/7724 Title: An analysis of the special impacts of climate change on two small Mediterranean islands, Malta & Cyprus Abstract: Climate change poses additional constraints on small island states, like Malta and Cyprus, since their geophysical characteristics, economic and social set up render their position highly volatile, even more so in current times of economic crises. Using the example of Malta and Cyprus, and on the basis of a thorough analysis of the mitigation and adaptation measures that are being undertaken by these two states, this dissertation aims at highlighting the efforts that small island states (SIS) need to take in order to overcome climatic impacts. The minimal contribution of SIS to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is highlighted and emphasis is laid on the fact that mitigation of emissions by SIS may be a less effective policy approach than adaptation. In view of the inherent characteristics of SIS, investment in measures that increase resilience to the impacts of climate change proves to be a more plausible solution to counteract climatic impacts, coupled with the diversification of economies towards those sectors that are less susceptible to climatic changes. For the purpose of this dissertation, the energy and transport sectors in Malta and Cyprus are analysed. Being part of a like-minded community brings with it legal, technical and administrative obligations, as is the case for Malta and Cyprus which are part of the European Union. Such communities instigate SIS to take action on the development of national climate policy decisions and legislation. Even though these obligations may seem difficult to achieve in practice, opportunities of technical and financial capacities cannot be ignored. Mainstreaming climate mitigation with adaptation action into local policy making is recommended in order for sustainable development to be achieved and maintained in the long run. Description: M.A.ISLANDS&SMALL STAT.STUD. 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z