A study of the relationship between crime and tourism, focused on inbound female tourists in Malta

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the occurrence of crimes against female visitors in Malta and how these incidents shape perceptions of the country's safety among female travellers. It seeks to understand the prevalence of issues such as harassment, theft, and prejudice faced by female tourists, especially in unfamiliar or nighttime settings, influenced by cultural norms and gender expectations. The research utilises participant feedback to explore the impact of Europe's general safety reputation and word-of-mouth recommendations, particularly from social media platforms, on perceptions of Malta's safety. The findings reveal that confirmation bias plays a significant role, as female travellers often seek information that aligns with their preconceived notions, potentially reinforcing biases about Malta's safety. Key message carriers like travel bloggers and influencers further shape these perceptions. Ultimately, the study concludes that promoting a more truthful and nuanced image of Malta as a vacation destination is essential for enhancing the safety and experiences of female travellers. This underscores the importance of accurate and conscientious communication in presenting the safety profiles of travel destinations, with implications for destination marketing and risk management strategies.