The Gozo Tourism Association in its first reaction to Budget 2023, said that it understands that “this a budget that in the short term ensures the sustainability of the business activity, as well as the wellbeing of the low-income earners, pensioners and workers battling to keep up with the rising cost of living.”
In a statement on Tuesday, the Association said that the budge was prepared during a particular time when worldwide economies are under the strains of the Ukraine war and during a period when the tourism sector is still in recovery mode from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Gozo Tourism Association said that it believes that “all in all the Budget for 2023 is aimed towards economic stability on the Maltese Islands during these turbulent times for the economy.”
The Gozo Tourism Association noted that the measures listed in this budget aims to cushion the economic challenges while safeguarding and sustaining economic growth.
“In this regard the Budget continues to subsidise the increase in costs of the utility bills and cereals. These measures will assist not only families but will keep businesses afloat that would be otherwise crippled by rising costs,” it said.
Among measures relating to tourism, it said that this budget includes a measure proposed by the Gozo Tourism Association, in the form of a scheme is intended to attract long-stay tourists to the Island, particularly between the November and March period, to continue mitigating seasonality on Gozo.
The GTA noted that other measures affecting the Gozitan touristic sector refers to the inter-island connectivity, including the development of the rural airfield in Xewkija and the public service obligation contract for the operation of the fast ferry service between Mgarr and Valletta.
The Association concluded by saying that “whilst acknowledging the setting up of the Agency for Tourism Zones Development and Regeneration, the Gozo Tourism Association notes that there is no mention of the ring fencing of the eco-contribution funds collected from Gozitan accommodation for tourism projects on Gozo.”
File photo: Gozo News/Alain Salvary