During an interview on Radio 101 this morning, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi announced three proposals for Gozo that would be implemented over the coming five years.

Gozo Tourism Plan

The Prime Minister said that so as to facilitate and sustain Gozo’s tourism, the Nationalist Party is proposing a Gozo Tourism Plan that would be approved within the first six months of the legislature.

“This will include incentives to the cruise liner sector; working with the private sector so that more five star hotels be opened; an incentive scheme amounting to €300,000 for three and four star hotels to upgrade their services, and another similar scheme worth €3000,000 for farmhouses.

“Together with its policy on Eco-Gozo, the Nationalist Party would also introduce numerous schemes to promote cultural events and activities in Gozo, particularly during Autumn, and introduce an annual scheme worth €400,000 dedicated to the cleaning and maintenance of Gozo’s valleys and fields. A Nationalist Government would introduce special Gozo Channel rates and set up a €300,000 fund reserved for promoting Gozo, both in Malta and internationally.”

Incentives for businesses in Gozo

It was announced by the Prime Minister that “income tax reductions would be granted for businesses being set up in Gozo that employ more than two people. License fees would also be drastically reduced to the equivalent of 10% of the cost in Malta.”

A Regional Council for Gozo

The Nationalist Party believes that Gozo should be legally recognised as an island region.

“The present Regional Committee would be transformed into a Regional Council, and would become responsible for the implementation of Government policy in Gozo.

“The Council would be made up of all Gozitan MPs and Mayors, as well as five representatives elected from Gozo’s civil society organisations. This reflects the principle of subsidiarity that is upheld by the Nationalist Party.

“The Nationalist Government is also currently considering possible options for the construction of a tunnel between Malta and Gozo, which would facilitate investment and employment in Gozo.

“The Nationalist Party is committed to ensuring a stable and secure future for Gozo,” the Prime Minister concluded.

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