The Gozo Tourism Association has said that, while it acknowledges the Government’s support measures, in the present difficult circumstances, it called on the Government “for more bold and drastic measures that will have an immediate effect and support for the Gozitan tourism establishments.”
In a statement the GTA stressed that the Gozitan economy depends majorly on tourism and in the Covid-19 serious scenario, it appealed to the Government to announce “urgent concrete measures to safeguard the tourism establishments on Gozo and their respective employees.”
The Association argued that “these establishments that have been contributing towards the economic growth year on year, have no alternative and are now contemplating to close down.”
“In these really challenging times, Government has to intervene to mitigate the heavy loses the tourism sector on Gozo has to carry,” the Association stated.
The Gozo Tourism Association said it is therefore calling on The government to announce a specific support package of mitigating measures for the Gozitan tourism sector.
The GTA has suggested a number of “tangible and pressing measures to safeguard the Gozitan tourism establishments that are to be included in this package:”
“The forfeiting of the licenses for 2020, payable by tourist establishments to the various entities like MTA, MRA, TM, Lands etc.
The setting up of a wages fund to be used specifically to retain the present tourism workforce.
Temporary measures to safeguard the employees jobs without additional burden on the employer.
The Government forfeiting of the national insurance contributions in order to avoid redundancies until the removal of travel restrictions.
Refund by the Government for the quarantine leave that is being burdened on the employer.
An adequate and extensive marketing campaign for the destination, so as to enable a swift recovery in the medium term, once the travel restrictions are lifted.”
The Gozo Tourism Association said that it understands that these are difficult times, “yet in such situations, the Government is called to intervene to lessen the real negative impact on the tourism sector on the sister island due to the repercussions of Covid-19.”
The GTA concluded by saying that it is available to discuss further these measures and other actions with the competent authorities.
Photo: Alain Salvary