9 comments so far.The GTA holds is eleventh Annual General Meeting
 Email item
|  Print item
|
|
The Gozo Tourism Association (GTA) held its eleventh annual general meeting at one of the major hotels in Gozo. This meeting was the start of another working year for the association that represents various operators in the tourism sector on the island of Gozo. It also served as a finale of the first ten years of operation of the GTA.
The meeting started with a speech by Mr Paul Scicluna, who took office as the President of the GTA three years ago. He also went over the minutes of the last annual general meeting. The administrative report was given by Mr Joe Muscat, who has been the Secretary General of the GTA since its establishment. In their speeches they referred to the current situation in the Gozitan tourism sector. Reference was also made to the problem of seasonality that is a particular challenge for the Gozitan tourism sector. A request was repeated for access by air to the island. The main purpose for the suggestion is that of strengthening the tourism industry which is so important to the island. The fact was highlighted by stating that Gozo is recognised as a tourist destination with unique characteristics which give a distinct identity to the island. The speakers also appealed to workers in the tourism sector in Gozo to help protect the unique area.
There was also a discussion that was led by journalist Keith Demicoli. The questions were addressed to a panel that was composed of a number of mayors from different tourist locations in Gozo, together with a representative of the GTA as well as the Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono. In discussion the point was made that Gozo tourism incorporates not only the historical and natural heritage of the island, but also includes the level of facilities and services provided by operators. Reference was given to the collaboration of the Ministry for Gozo and Local Councils in the coordination of works and possible problems that are rectified without delay. This type of working together of councils and the Ministry is of an important benefit to the island.
Closing the meeting, the Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, expressed her satisfaction that the initiative taken by the Ministry ten years ago on the GTA had provided benefits for the tourism sector. Over the past ten years work had been taking place to also develop the domestic market in support of the tourism industry in Gozo, especially during the less popular months. It is why the Ministry for Gozo had decided they will support the financial cost related to the printing of publications to advertise directly to Gozo. The Minister also stated that Gozo needs foreign tourists and reiterated that the Ministry for Gozo is also committed to the promotion of Gozo overseas. She mentioned a number of projects that are being carried out, or will be in the future, to aid the tourism sector.
The meeting ended with the confirmation of members who will occupy posts within the GTA Council over the coming year.
Why is it that every time a meeting like this takes place somebody raises the subject of access by air to the island? Why is it that every single time this happens they try to justify it by saying it is for the good of the tourist sector?
They then further try to justify an airstrip by stating “Gozo is recognised as a tourist destination with unique characteristics which give a distinct identity to the island.” Yes Gozo does have unique characteristics, which attract tourists like myself. The main characteristic is that it is a nice quiet relaxing place to spend a holiday.
It is not spoiled by the continuous drone of aircraft taking off and landing all day, which I would say, is a pretty good characteristic. In order to carry out the speaker’s suggestion “to help protect this unique area” they need to ensure that an airstrip does not spoil it.
And please stop using tourists as an excuse for further destroying this small island. How many tourists are going to use this airstrip if it is built? I definitely won’t and neither will the majority of others. Transfer to the island by ferry is a much cheaper and more relaxing way to arrive. However the main reason the majority of tourists would not use the airstrip is because they would be taking their holidays elsewhere to avoid the noise.
How many local people, either workers traveling to jobs on Malta or students going to school would use the airstrip? Very few could afford it could they? Certainly not the students and as for other travelers going over would they be able to get their cars on the plane? So who would use it? Mainly the ones rich enough to or who own their own little planes and don’t want to have to mix on the ferry with the common people.
To Minister Giovanna I say this, stop running about the island going on about Eco Gozo and then openly supporting ideas like an airstrip or a marina at Hondoq, the ugly extension to the bar at Qala belvedere and the equally ugly thing at the top of the hill at Dwejra. It’s time you started doing something, which shows that you care about Gozo.
Meetings like these makes me wonder what the main speakers are doing .
Does anyone believe that an air airstrip will be a benefit for Gozitans? (I forget except one that used to live in Qala)
Does anyone believe that a marina in Hondoq will be suitable for the Gozitans?
Does anyone believe that Dwejra monster is a tourist attraction?
And to top it off, does anyone believe that Qala belvedere won`t be ruined by the building that was given the permit lately ?
And to top it off completely, WHO IS BELIEVING THAT ECO GOZO IS WELL AND TRULY ON THE RIGHT TRACK ?
This week I was watching a programme about Gozo on local tv in which a meeting was held with foreign tour operators and when they were interviewed they all said that all Gozo needed was a bit of cleaning up, and some more improvement in the services sector and also they said that Gozo should keep it’s charm to attract up market toruists, (one of them actually said that it is better to have sixty wealthy tourists than six hundred who did not spend money)
Also they said that a two hour transfer from the airport to Gozo taking two hours is very reasonable compared to transfers from airports in larger countries. And actually the ferry trip on a nice day makes the transfer very nice!!.
They were saying that Gozo is totally different to Malta and should be kept this way and not turned into another Paceville or St Julians. They also said Gozo is a safe place for tourists.
From what I could remember the minister was present and also members from GTA and these tour operators said exactly what has been said by the majority of people in the street that Gozo as it is, is an attraction in itself.
GTA should open their ears more to people like these operators and listen to local speculators whose only interest is their pockets!!
NB: Well done Mr. Tyrell for constantly showing interest in our lovely island and I wish there were more people like you that are not afraid to write and tell the truth.
Once again the ‘Fat Cats’ of the Tourism Sector bemoan the fact that the double-insularity of Gozo is causing difficulties for those who find it difficult to travel from MIA. I have to ask ‘what is the GTA doing about it?’ It is a fact that the more elderly visitors to this ecological paradise are those who could afford to use an airlink and are the most likely to find the tedious journey by road and ferry not worth the effort. True, a trip across Malta and the channel is an adventure for a young family on first visits but that could soon pall if they have to lug their luggage around as well.
So far as protecting the environment is concerned, let me give an example. If 18 people, in 6 groups, wish to go to the airport they would use SIX vehicles and cover 35 Km during a period of 2-3 Hours. If they were to take a small plane, the 28Km would take just TEN minutes and use TWO engines.
Mr Perry see all the comments on this link and you will soon find out how much the air link is needed /accepted https://gozo.news/9356/the-end-of-gozo-tourism-roy-perry/
What has changed your mind again because some time ago you told us that you have given up on the air strip and you wished that someone would look at your plans .
We gozitans do know what we need pls leave our beautiful gozo in peace and quiet
I did NOT say that I had given upon the airstrip, I said that I was unable to continue because my wife is seriously ill and I need to care for her. In the view of many the airstrip is still a valid proposal aqs is shown in the Gozo News Poll.
Roy as I have said in the past these ‘Polls’ can be easily rigged. I’m sure you remember exactly what I’m talking about.
The only people who want an airstrip on Gozo are the ones who will benefit directly from it. That would be the developers obviously and whomever they pay off to get the contract. Then of course there are the people with their own little planes who want to treat the island like their own private landing strip.
The people who won’t benefit are the people who matter, the Gozitan people and the tourists. An airstrip will simply be a hole for funds to disappear into for a while then it will be abandoned as too expensive to operate. By that time the damage will be done, and it will take years to gain back the tourist trade lost because of the destruction of this peaceful island.
@ Roy Do you know where all Gozo News poll came from. If and how many came from overseas.
Our main interest is to safeguard our environment. As I heard from other comments before There is a solution to this so called airport .
We as Gozitans can obtain EU funds to subsidize the helicopter, this was done by Dr Joseph Muscat .
Comment on this please.
I find that since I came here, I find an awful lot of expatriates voicing there opinion on how they want to change Gozo. I personally came here for how quaint it is, and since I came here in 1977 I found it has not changed an awful lot. Sadly there are not many, if not any european countries that can boast the same.
Each visitor that I have invited from overseas has thought that the ferry is part of there vacation and loves it.
And also find that they can actually go for a walk on there own, even the children can feel safe any time of the day. Sadly that will eventually change, but while it is like it is lets enjoy it. Again not many places left to do the same including Malta.
Please leave the Gozitans to look after there own lovely island, they seem to have done a great job so far.
As for the expatriates who moan, I wish they would go back to the countries that they have contributed to mess up, or be quiet and enjoy.
I lose faith in human nature sometimes and feel ashamed of the people from where I came from, I just wish I was a Gozitan!!
NB. I back and thank Mr. Xureb on his comments.