The Gozo Tourism Association has put forward its Budget 2027 proposals [1] on – Quality over Quantity, Strengthening Gozo’s Tourism Future.
The GTA that in Gozo industry pressures are compounded by local challenges. It warned that ”although Gozo is promoted for its natural environment, cultural heritage and distinct character, growing concerns exist that the scale of development is undermining the very qualities that make the island attractive to residents and visitors. Unrestrained development risks weakening Gozo’s identity, authenticity and long-term competitiveness.
The Gozo Tourism Association said that it remains committed to working constructively with Government and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that Gozo ”continues to develop as a high-quality, year-round and sustainable destination. The Association firmly believes that Gozo requires targeted measures, dedicated resources and policy interventions that reflect its unique circumstances as an island region.”
It added that the proposals presented in this Budget 2027 submission aim to strengthen the resilience, sustainability and quality of Gozo’s tourism industry. ”They reflect extensive consultation with the Association’s members and a shared commitment to ensuring that Gozo remains a high-quality, year-round destination.”
The Gozo Tourism Association stressed that it ”remains committed to working constructively with Government and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that Gozo continues to develop as a high-quality, year-round and sustainable destination. The Association firmly believes that Gozo requires targeted measures, dedicated resources and policy interventions that reflect its unique circumstances as an island region.”
It said that it believes that targeted policies and dedicated resources are essential to address Gozo’s unique realities as an island region. ”Protecting tourism is not only an economic priority but also a means of safeguarding Gozo’s identity, residents ‘ quality of life and long-term prosperity. The choices made today will shape the future of the island for generations to come.”
The GTA Proposed Budget 2027 Measures are as follows:
Connectivity
Modern Fast Ferry Network
Retain, enhance and sustain fast ferry services while supporting the Sliema-Bu?ibba- M?arr route to strengthen year-round passenger connectivity.
Upgrade Mgarr Fast Ferry Terminal
Develop a modern passenger terminal with improved waiting areas, accessibility and commuter facilities.
Greener and More Accessible Fleet
Commission a fully electric, wheelchair-accessible ferry to replace MV Nikolaos and to maintain a resilient four-vessel fleet.
Gozo Air Connectivity
Advance the rural airfield project to establish a fixed-wing air link between Gozo and Malta.
Future-Proofing Mgarr Harbour
Undertake studies and environmental assessments to evaluate the future enlargement and long-term capacity of M?arr Harbour.
Cirkewwa South Quay Enhancement
Upgrade the South Quay to provide additional berthing capacity, expanded marshalling space and improved passenger facilities.
Cruise Passenger Facilities
Improve cruise infrastructure, introduce emergency support services and upgrade tender landing facilities at Xlendi, Marsalforn and Hondoq ir-Rummien.
Alternative Port Facilities
Develop Marsalforn as an alternative porting location for the Sliema-Bugibba-Gozo fast ferry service.
Alternative Access to Mgarr Harbour
Identify additional road access routes to reduce dependence on the existing single access road.
Integrated Digital Travel Platform
Introduce a unified digital ticketing system while improving public transport connectivity through more frequent village bus services.
The Touristic Offer
Strengthen and guarantee Electricity Supply to Gozo
Investment is needed in a new 132 kV submarine cable linking Gozo to Malta. This investment needs to be coupled with new distribution centres to meet the demand of the increases in population and in tourist arrivals.
Ringfence Eco Contribution Revenue for Gozo
Retain and reinvest Gozo ‘ s Eco Contribution revenue into visitor infrastructure, environmental management, heritage conservation and tourism product enhancement.
Safeguard Access to Dive Sites
Protect shoreline access for the diving sector, particularly along Gozo ‘ s north and northwest coast.
Establish a Gozo Marine Park
Create a marine park with appropriate management to strengthen Gozo’s position as a premier diving destination.
Implement Diving Sector Strategies
Fund the implementation of the Diving Strategy for the Maltese Islands and the GTA Action Plan for Diving.
Reduce VAT on Cultural Attractions and Events
Reduce VAT rate on admissions to cinemas featuring multi-visual shows from 18% to 7%. Support the Preservation and Promotion of Cultural Heritage Introduce initiatives to preserve, restore and promote Gozo’s cultural and heritage assets.
Modernise the Tourism Act
Accelerate amendments to the Tourism Act to reflect contemporary tourism trends and the evolving needs of the sector, beyond the accommodation sector. Introduce a Tailor-Made Tourism Product Grant Scheme for Gozo Create a dedicated grant scheme supporting the development and modernisation of niche tourism experiences.
Revise the Summer Breaktime Directive
Apply summer excavation and demolition restrictions across Gozo within a 50-metre radius of licensed tourism establishments.
Create a Gozo Aesthetics and Public Realm Unit
Establish a dedicated unit to improve public spaces and coordinate the reporting and resolution of environmental issues.
Develop a Signature
‘Gozo Film Trail’
Create a curated film trail showcasing Gozo’s cinematic heritage as a distinctive tourism product.
Outsource the management of public conveniences across Gozitan Tourist resorts Outsource the management of public conveniences to ensure high standards of cleanliness, maintenance and accessibility.
Tourism Development and Destination Marketing
Establish a Joint Marketing Incentive Fund
Create a joint fund to attract additional niche travel programmes and cruise calls during the shoulder and winter months.
Expand Participation in Niche Tourism Trade Fairs
Increase present support for participation in specialised international tourism fairs promoting Gozo ‘ s niche tourism strengths.
Support the Film and Screen Industry
Introduce Gozo-specific incentives to attract film and television productions and encourage longer filming periods on the island.
Promote Sustainability Certification
Provide financial and technical assistance to tourism businesses seeking recognised sustainability certifications and eco-labels.
Accelerate the Digital Transformation of Tourism Businesses
Support tourism operators in upgrading their digital presence, online booking capabilities and marketing through innovative technologies.
Develop and Support Emerging Tourism Niches
Continue investing in high-potential niche tourism sectors including adventure, outdoor activities, sports, wellness, digital nomads and experience-based tourism.
Human Resources, Skills and Workforce Development
Introduce a Tourism Employment Retention Incentive
Establish incentives that reward tourism businesses for retaining employees on a long- term basis.
Support Student Employment in Tourism
Introduce grants encouraging students to work in Gozitan tourism establishments during weekends, holidays and vacation periods.
Provide Language and Cultural Integration Programmes for Foreign Workers
Organise language and cultural training to improve integration, customer service and visitor experiences.
Establish a Comprehensive Tourism Training and Upskilling Scheme
Support scheme for employers and employees in developing skills in digital technologies, sustainability, leadership and specialised tourism sectors.
Strengthen Workforce Stability through Improved Work Permit Frameworks
Review migrant legislation to promote workforce stability while protecting both employers and employees.
Introduce Winter Employment National Insurance Credits
Provide incentives encouraging businesses to retain employees throughout the winter season.
Develop the ITS Gozo Campus as a Centre of Excellence
Develop the ITS Gozo Campus into a specialised tourism and hospitality education centre.
Recognise Educational Tourism as a Strategic Sector
Formally recognise educational tourism and introduce measures that strengthen Gozo ‘ s competitiveness as a learning destination.
Improve Coordination on Student and Employment Permits
Improve coordination between Identità, Jobsplus and educational institutions to streamline permit procedures and graduate transitions into employment.
Support Affordable Housing for Key Workers
Facilitate affordable accommodation for employees working in the sector.
Create a Level Playing Field in Recruitment
Ensure fair recruitment conditions between the public and private sectors while encouraging improved employment conditions and career development.
Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development
Develop Gozo-Specific Regional Planning Policies
Introduce regional planning policies tailored to Gozo ‘ s unique identity, balancing heritage, quality of life, economic development and environmental sustainability.
Strengthen Gozo’s Planning Autonomy
Establish stronger regional planning autonomy to ensure development decisions reflect Gozo’s long-term needs.
Retain Existing UCA Restoration Incentives
Maintain fiscal incentives supporting the restoration of properties within Urban Conservation Areas.
Extend Conservation Incentives to Traditional Properties
Extend restoration incentives to vernacular and post-war properties that preserve Gozo’s traditional character.
Introduce a Traditional Property Restoration Scheme
Launch dedicated incentives encouraging the restoration and adaptive reuse of traditional properties.
Establish a Marine Reserve Around Gozo
Create and effectively manage a marine reserve around Gozo to strengthen environmental protection, marine biodiversity and sustainable marine tourism.
File photo