During a meeting of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD), which was attended by the Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri, the Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue Andy Ellul and the Head of the Secretariat of the Office of the Prime Minister Mark Mallia, the Vision Malta 2050 Perspective for Gozo was discussed.

Minister Clint Camilleri stated that Vision Malta 2050 continues to build on the – Gozo: Island of Villages – strategy launched two years ago, with the aim of improving the quality of life of Gozitans and building a more sustainable future. “This vision is being developed together with various stakeholders and sectors, with an emphasis on strengthening connectivity and the economic and tourism development of the island.”

The Minister mentioned major advances in connectivity, including the improvement of Gozo Channel services, the introduction of the fast ferry and the agreement on adapted timetables. In this context, he also announced that in the coming weeks work will begin on the rural airfield, a step which he said, “will continue to grow the economy and keep young people on the island of Gozo.”

On a tourist level, Minister Camilleri stressed Gozo as a destination for all seasons. “We wanted tourism to increase, but this should be done when it suits this island, that is, in the shoulder months. We have been working on this vision also through cultural activities so that we had an increase where needed. In seasonal terms, the largest increase in 2024 was in the first quarter of the year (the winter season), where we saw an increase of 43%. This is indicative of the work being done to attract visitors even outside the summer season.”

He added that, “during the second quarter of the year, that is, during the spring, Gozo saw an increase of 18% in tourism, while the last quarter of the year (during the autumn) saw an increase of 32%. The summer remained stable with a small increase of 0.4%, which is a positive sign of balance and a reduction in dependence on just one season. Now we must continue to direct ourselves towards quality tourism that leaves added value in the economy of our country.”

Minister Clint Camilleri also listed several projects that will build on this vision, including the Sports and Aquatics Pavilion and investment in education. He reiterated the need for development to continue in a sustainable manner and to protect the Gozitan identity, which is also part of the island’s appeal.

Parliamentary Secretary Andy Ellul, stressed the importance of open and inclusive dialogue as a foundation for the country’s progress and success. He maintained that there is clear evidence that success is achieved when there is sincere, structured and continuous dialogue with a wide range of social partners. “This is the model that the Government has followed over the years and which is bearing fruit.”

Dr Ellul pointed out how the MCESD meeting was living testimony to this spirit of collaboration. “Today, during this MCESD meeting, I noted with great satisfaction a high level of activism and substantial contribution from all parties involved. Their participation in the Malta 2050 Vision process is a clear indication that the country is on a clear and strong path to make a qualitative leap.”

“This Vision is not only being designed with a sense of responsibility and inclusiveness, but also with one goal: to build a future that serves everyone, not just for today but for generations to come. Therefore, this is a clear example of how social dialogue can be a force that moves the country forward,” he said.

Head of the Secretariat of the Office of the Prime Minister Mark Mallia explained the commitment that the Government will have towards the implementation of the Malta 2050 Vision, following the full consultation that will continue until September of this year.

“This will be a Vision made by the Maltese and Gozitans for the Maltese and Gozitans. In the Office of the Prime Minister we will have an entire unit focused on its implementation, the Vision Implementation Unit, a dedicated team that will work on policies and laws, costings and KPIs for each year. KPIs that will be publicly accessible, in a document that will remain alive and current,” he said.

During this meeting of the MCESD together with the members of the Gozo Regional Committee (GRC), the role of Gozo as a key component in the Malta 2050 Vision was also discussed.

The social partners of the MCESD and the members of the GRC put forward several suggestions, and highlighted the potential of Gozo as an ideal space for pilot projects related to sustainability, quality tourism and innovative technologies.

They also stressed that Gozo should not be treated as a copy of Malta, but as a region with distinct characteristics and priorities that should be respected and valorised within a national vision that reflects its specific needs.

The need to strengthen the island’s connectivity and infrastructure to create the necessary framework and opportunities for sustainable development was also discussed.

Photo: DOI

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