The Gozo Tourism Association in a statement on Tuesday, noted that Budget 2021 had been prepared during the thick of a pandemic and as expected there was the re-introduction of financial measures to stimulate economic activity.

The Association added that this included a “tweaked” vouchers scheme, intended to generate turnover in the tourism establishments and retail outlets.

It welcomed the wage supplement extension till end of March, 2021, “a measure which will help the tourism establishments endure the winter months.”

The GTA recognised that the budget contemplates in the long term an updated tourism strategy covering up to 2030 for a new start-up of the tourism industry on the Maltese Islands.

On a regional level, the GTA noted the upgrading of the “island’s product” including arterial roads, the completion of the Aquatic centre and other sports facilities in the sports complex, as well as a virtual reality project at the Cittadella.

The GTA said that “although no direct fiscal measures were introduced towards the Gozitan tourism industry, on a more positive note a proposal put forward by the Gozo Tourism Association was announced in the Budget speech.”

This proposal caters for the updating and renewal of the existing Diving Master Plan for Gozo in order to reflect the present and future needs of this niche, the GTA said. Moreover, studies will be also carried out to create an underwater cultural museum.

The Association welcomed the announced sea link measures, whereby the fourth ferry operated by Gozo Channel will now be on a permanent basis. Whilst once again this Budget includes also the introduction of the fast ferry service.

This budget for 2021 is evidently focusing and concentrating on green economy and digitalisation, the GTA said.

The Gozo Tourism Association concluded by saying that it believes that the “island of Gozo can optimise on these two niches and thus start slowly diversify its economy, which presently is heavily dependent and reliant on the tourism sector.”

Photo by Alain Salvary

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