Former Prime Minister Alfred Sant said that hotels in Gozo can only benefit when the European Union starts taking tourism more seriously – as it is doing, and thereby ensure that regional growth takes place in Gozo as a whole.

He added, “fortunately within the EU, there is a growing realisation that tourism is a sector that needs greater attention. This has happened since it was noted that during the recession of past years, one of the few sectors that had maintained stability and indeed growth, Europe-wide, was tourism.”

During a visit to the St Patrick’s Hotel in Xlendi Gozo, Alfred Sant stated that for Gozo’s tourism to remain buoyant, hotels and other forms of accommodation have to remain competitive in terms of quality. “Because of problems caused by its double insularity, Gozo can benefit most by going for high quality tourism. That would compensate for the higher costs that tourism operators in Gozo have to carry.”

Dr Sant pointed out that “by ensuring that they provide extra value for money, Gozo’s hoteliers will be turning their disadvantages into a competitive advantage since the interest of having a vacation in Gozo will make isolation a plus point.”

Alfred Sant said it was good to note that St Patrick’s Hotel and other establishments in Gozo were aiming at, and reaching, higher quality targets.

Mr Saviour Cremona, St. Patrick’s Hotel Director, introduced Dr Sant to the employees and explained the hotel’s plans for the future.

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