GTA commends upgrading and maintenance works at ix-Xatt l-Ahmar

The Gozo Tourism Association said today that it “would like to commend the upgrading and maintenance works that were carried out on the belvedere and kitting up area at ix-Xatt l-Ahmar in Ghajnsielem.”

“This dive site became one of Gozo’s most popular when in 2006, ships were scuttled near the shore, forming underwater reefs and attractions, hence a substantial improvement to Gozo’s diving product.”The GTA added that “forward planning and adequate funding resulted in this upgrade to Gozo’s holistic tourist product.”

“On behalf of the Gozo dive schools,” the Gozo Tourism Association said it “would like to thank the Ghajnsielem Local Council for taking the initiative and setting an example of how our tourist product can be professionally upgraded.”

The GTA said it “would also like to thank the Ministry for Gozo for the works carried out to improve accessibility to dive sites. Ladders and mobile toilet facilities were installed on several dive sites around Gozo’s coast.”

“Although more work and investment are necessary on the access road to ix-Xatt l-Ahmar, the aforementioned improvements enhanced this location which is of strategic importance to Gozo’s diving product,” the GTA said “it is the only site in Gozo where there are wrecks and is sheltered from the prevailing north west winds.”

“The Gozo Tourism Association concluded by saying that it “appeals for similar initiatives and joint efforts between the Ministry for Gozo and local councils in order to upgrade other dive sites around Gozo, since the ‘scuba diving tourism’ niche is of great importance to the island’s economy. Such upgrades will further improve Gozo’s competitiveness and serve to further grow the scuba diving industry in a sustainable manner.”