The Gozo Tourism Association has issued its Budget 2022 proposals which it said covers five priority areas – • Inter-Island Connectivity, • Fiscal Measures, • The Product, • Marketing and • Human resources.

In a statement the Association stressed that tourism continues to be one of the hardest hit sectors by the Coronavirus pandemic, and the outlook remains still uncertain for the remaining months of 2021.

It said that even destination Gozo experienced drops in tourist arrivals, as according to the latest Regional Statistics issued by NSO, and covering the twelve months of 2020, Gozo registered an expected decrease of 78% in foreign tourist arrivals in Gozitan accommodation over the same period of 2019.

Domestic tourism on the other hand is helping to mitigate the decrease emanating from the foreign arrivals. The GTA highlighted that during the period January to December 2020, the number of domestic arrivals increased significantly by 61.8%, or 133, 217 arrivals more over the twelve months of 2019.

Against this scenario the tourism sector on Gozo now needs to look forward and beyond the Covid pandemic, the Associaion said.

It went on to say that, “whilst the Gozo Tourism Association is still working and contributing in order to establish mitigating measures which would help to preserve the Gozitan tourism, we must look beyond the covid crises and focus on a proper restart and recovery.”

The Gozo Tourism Association has distributed as customary its Budget 2022 proposals to the competent Authorities.

These proposals, it said, are intended to serve as mitigating measures which are still needed at this stage, as well as other measures encompassing medium to long term actions which should assist in the recovery of tourism and establish it back to its former position prior to covid.

The GTA explained that based on the preliminary assessment of the major adverse effects of the pandemic on the Gozitan tourism sector, five priority areas were identified that needs special attention and assistance.

It is in this context that once again the Gozo Tourism Association is putting forward these Budget proposals, which it is hoped to be favourably considered in the upcoming Budget 2022. –

BUDGET 2022 PROPOSALS BY THE GOZO TOURISM ASSOCIATION

CONNECTIVITY

AIRLINK

• The building and developing the necessary infrastructure, including an 800- metre airstrip that can accommodate the landing and take-off of a 20-seater fixed wing aircraft.

SEALINK

• Reduced Gozo Channel ferry fares from Monday to Thursday during the winter months to entice the domestic market during the week days.

• A scheme by Gozo Channel in conjuction with accommodation providers offering reduced ferry fares and special offers for particular weekends during the period November to March.

• Provide and re-introduce in addition to the four existing ferries, another ferry dedicated for cargo to operate all year round between Mgarr and Cirkewwa. This ferry will release the MV Gaudos from cargo transportation and thus two more hoist able decks can be installed on this ferry.

CRUISES

• The necessary infrastructural investment in a cruise berthing buoy off Xlendi Bay, and off Mgarr harbour in order to offer alternative berthing facilities around the West and South coast of Gozo.

• The repair, maintenance and upgrade of the Mgarr landing quay to offer an enhanced welcome to visiting cruise passengers.

FISCAL

• As per EU Directive 2001/112/EC Article 98.1 & 98.2, the vat applicable for admission to shows, theatres, fairs, amusement parks, concerts, museums, cinemas, conferences exhibitions and similar cultural events and facilities should be adjusted from 18% to 7%.

• The waiving of all license fees for 2022 payable by all MTA licensed establishments payable and including MTA (Operating Licenses), REWS (Swimming Pool Licenses), Lands Authority (Encroachment Fees) and Transport Malta (Transport Vehicles and pleasure boats licenses), this In lieu of the wage supplement which is being phased out by December 2021.

• Ring fencing of the ECO contribution collected from Gozitan Tourism Establishments to be re-invested directly in the upgrade of the tourism product in Gozo.

THE PRODUCT

THE GOZO PRODUCT

• The updating and the implementation of the Gozo Diving Master Plan, carried out through EU co-financing way back in 2006 by the Ministry for Gozo.

• The continuation of upkeep on regular basis of the rural roads leading to self- catering accommodation for easier access, especially during winter time.

• Include in the remit of the Intervention Team within the Ministry for Gozo, the ownership, maintenance, and management of several tourist spots like: the Qbajjar Promenade, the Three Hills Garden in Marsalforn, the Villa Rundle Gardens, Zewwieqa Waterfront, country walk paths, dive sites etc.

• The development of a water park, and a theme park in Gozo.

• The development of more sports facilities including, athletics track and training camps facilities that can be incorporated in one holistic project at the Ta’ Xhajma Race Track.

ACCOMMODATION

• The fast tracking of the necessary amendments to the Tourism Act (1999 preferably by the beginning of the summer season 2022, to reflect today’s tourism product.

UPGRADING OF TOURIST ESTABLISHEMENTS

• A scheme available to all MTA licensed tourism establishments to cater for the upgrading of their product. This scheme can to be partially financed by specific EU funds.

MARKETING

• The continuation of an aggressive international targeted marketing campaign to support awareness of Destination Gozo during winter 2022.

• Create, offer, support and entice new niches like adventure, activity, sports, walking and well-being in the absence of the cultural calendar, due to covid restrictions.

• The re-introduction of the vouchers scheme to be launched after the winter period covering the period March to May 2022.

HUMAN RESOURCES

• Training schemes during the winter months aimed at improving knowledge and skills in the tourism industry, including training in soft skills and languages, while encouraging retention of employees during off-peak months, sustained through grants coupled with employer and employee full NI Credit.

• Scheme targeted towards foreign employees to integrate better through the learning of the Maltese or English Languages, as well as local regulations and the history and culture of the Maltese Islands.

• A scheme that encourages employees and owners already in the tourism sector to obtain Post graduate Certification, Post graduate Diploma and Master of Science in Hospitality Management.

• Develop the ITS Gozo Campus into a specialised vocational tourism institution that caters not only for Gozitans but also for Maltese and foreign students who opt to follow specific courses.

Photo by Alain Salvary

Permalink: Gozo Tourism Association Budget proposals covers 5 priority areas