The Gozo Tourism Association noted that the measures listed in Budget 2024 aims to cushion the economic challenges while safeguarding and sustaining economic growth.

In this regard it said that the Budget continues to subsidise the increase in costs of energy and cereals. “These measures will assist not only families, but will keep businesses afloat, that would be otherwise crippled by rising costs.”

The Gozo Tourism Association stated however, that this Budget “should have included more measures that steer Gozo towards economic prosperity, whilst protecting the Island’s unique characteristics.”

It noted that the Budget includes measures aimed at addressing the over development in Gozo. One such measure is the abolition of the reduced stamp duty incentive on the purchase of properties outside UCA, that will come into effect as from January, 2024.

First time buyers who purchase property in Gozo that is vacant or in UCA will get €40,000 grant instead of €30,000.

Among the measures relating to tourism, this Budget once again includes a measure piloted by the Gozo Tourism Association. The extension of this measure into 2024, 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 in Gozo.

The Association noted that the Gozitan tourism product stands to gain from the €58 million being allocated to Gozo from the Sustainable Urban Development fund under the ERDF regulation.

Other measures affecting the Gozitan touristic sector refer to the inter-island connectivity, including the mention of the rural airfield in Xewkija.

However, the Gozo Tourism Association noted that no mention whatsoever is made in the Budget 2024, regarding the investment for a new fourth ferry for the Gozo Channel Fleet.

Furthermore, the Gozo Tourism Association noted that there is also no mention on the ring fencing of the eco-contribution funds collected from Gozitan accommodation in order to be invested directly for tourism projects on Gozo.

The Gozo Tourism Association stated that it believes that “all in all the Budget for 2024 is aimed towards economic stability on the Maltese Islands during these challenging times for the economy, as well as the wellbeing of the low-income earners, pensioners and workers battling to keep up with the rising cost of living.”

The Association concluded by saying that it “remains hopeful that further measures are taken to uphold and safeguard Gozo’s distinctiveness.”

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