Tourism contributed €180 million in 2014, almost 50% of Gozo’s GDP

by Gozo News · October 10, 2015

Last year, tourism contributed €180 million, almost 50% of Gozo’s GDP. This was said by the Minister for Gozo Dr Anton Refalo during a visit to the Gozitano Agricultural Village in Xewkija, on Friday. Also on the visit to the complex was the Minister for Tourism Dr Edward Zammit Lewis.

The Ministers had the opportunity to meet with the owners and employees of businesses within the complex. They stressed the importance of the Government encouraging foreign direct investment to Gozo, which will create more jobs in the private sector.

Dr Refalo said that the Gozo tourism product distinguishes itself through particular cultural aspects, such as food as well as artistic and social.

He added that the Gozitano Village is a demonstration of this concept. He reiterated that Gozo “should not be an appurtenance of Malta but must itself be a distinct and unique destination.”

“This year is a positive year for tourism, as of July of there had been an increase in the number of tourists visiting Gozo. The largest increase was of those who stayed in Gozo for more than one night, with a jump of 15%, compared to the same period in 2014,” the Minister said.

Minister Refalo also said that from the 6,900 jobs in the private sector in Gozo, 30% work in the tourism sector, which means 20% of all jobs in the island of Gozo.

“There is a powerful marketing campaign underway on sites such as TripAdvisor and Travel Zoo to attract more tourists to Gozo. The aim is to attract niche tourism such as diving, weddings, religious activities, as well as a better appreciation of the natural environment of the island,” Dr Refalo said.

He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to improve accessibility, enhance the tourism product so that more people see Gozo as an attractive destination, offering a personal experience to visitors on the island’s historic heritage and strong cultural style.

On his part, Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis said the Government is “fully committed to Gozo and promoting it as a distinct destination.” He added that it is going in the right direction; with the island enjoying positive trends in the tourism sector.

“In 2014 according to a report – The Contribution Of The Tourism Industry to the Maltese Economy in 2014, – “we had 2.3 million passengers who crossed over to Gozo. It is estimated in this report that more than 377 000 were Maltese tourists or visitors while a little less than 945 000 were foreign tourists or visitors.”

Minister Zammit Lewis said that in 2014, domestic tourism is estimated to have grown by 5%. “This bodes well for a bright and optimistic future for Gozo, particularly in light of the recent announcement by the Government of major new investments that will boost tourism in Gozo and will give it a new identity and dimension particularly in medical tourism.”

The Minister for Tourism Dr Edward Zammit Lewis said that the island “offers great potential in this sector and the Government’s policy for Tourism in Gozo is bearing fruit.”

He reiterated the commitment of the Government to further strengthen this sector which is vital for Gozo, “so that the wealth created by this industry continues to grow and make a positive economic impact.”