3 comments so far.An airstrip is a non-starter for tourism – Readers Letter
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Once again the supporters of an airstrip on the island of Gozo are screaming at the Government to back such a project. People like Rod Abela, secretary of the Aero Club Malta for example. Once again according to Rod the entire future of Gozo lies in the further destruction of land in order to build an airstrip. An airstrip I remind you that several international operators have already been consulted on and reached the conclusion that establishing such a link would be financial suicide.
From the point of view of tourism an airstrip is a non-starter for several reasons. First of all such a development would have to be sustainable and studies have already concluded that a fixed wing air link between the two islands would not be financially viable unless tourism levels on Gozo reached impossible levels. That means that the development of an air link would create a lot of money for certain developers, it would operate on a shoestring probably being heavily subsidised by the Government or in other words the Maltese public, and it would then close down due to losing money like a sieve.
Other operators would probably try their hand in a similar way to the helicopter link until they too quickly realised that it was a bottomless hole and pull out. Gozo would then be left with another ugly scar on it’s already badly scarred land which no doubt Rod Abela and his chums at Aero Club Malta would continue to use as their own private little airport, which I suspect is the real reason for their enthusiasm in this project.
More importantly from the tourism point of view is the fact that the very tourists in whose name this development is being proposed come to the island of Gozo for the peace and tranquillity it offers. The same reason many Maltese families come at weekends and holidays. By building an airstrip the peace and tranquillity would be destroyed and the tourists would dry up which again would have a knock on effect with regard to the time frame such a link would operate for before closure.
The Government must realise that Gozo attracts tourists because of its unique characteristics. People travel there to soak up its history, it’s beautiful environment, which is continually under attack from developers and the total peace and quiet it offers. A fire needs three things in order to burn; it needs fuel, oxygen and heat. Take away any one of these and the fire will go out. The Government must honour its pledge with regard to an eco-Gozo concept and retain the unique balance of characteristics the island offers. If they begin to play the developers game with regard to an airstrip they will be tampering with the very ingredients, which keep the fire of tourism burning.
James A. Tyrrell,
County Antrim,
N. Ireland.
To built an air strip when studies were conducted which showed that it will not be viable is complete madness
Why do these speculators want to ruin our precious GOZO
All we need to save us from isolation on this island is Rod Abela and his noisy little, polluting flying machines.
No Thanks!
If dear Mr. Abela or the other gentleman who harps on about needing an airport had to finance and maintain an airstrip, or live in the vicinity of one, especialy one used by a flying club, I am sure they would think differently.
Gozo does not need a fixed wing airport!!
The Gozitan folk have to decide: Would you like to have crowd-tourism, red-light-cartels, casinos, prostitutes, criminals, drugs, destruction of the precious landscapes, more noises, more fast-food stores, alcoholism, more waste, empty churches, destruction of the social bands and the families? If yes, do the first step: do build the airstrip!