The Gozo Tourism Association has said that the proposed under-seabed tunnel project should be “scrapped once and for all, as a first step to safeguard the Island’s character.”

This was stated in its pre-budget proposals released on Tuesday which focuses on – Recover and Consolidate Growth.

The GTA said that tourism on the Island region of Gozo is at a “cross roads.”

“While all local policies and strategies are pointing and directing towards a distinct destination, focusing on particular niche markets based on the island’s unique selling propositions, yet the tourism sector is very much concerned that the overdevelopment on Gozo is jeopardising and lambasting the core of these tourism values.”

The GTA stressed that “these over-developments which is mostly for residential purposes is harming the character of our little island on which the tourism sector has been for years marketing and promoting.”

Regarding the environment, the Gozo Tourism Association said it believes that whilst encouraging investment in sustainable infrastructural projects and developments that add more value to product Gozo, careful attention should be given in order not to commit some of the mistakes experienced in the past on the mainland, and to a lesser extent on Gozo itself.

However, it said that a balance must be struck between the environment and any future touristic development that the tourism industry will for sure need, to keep on upgrading its product and widening its touristic offer.

The Association also said that believes that the environmental planning subject is not necessarily connected on land use only, but should encompass also the coast and surrounding seas. “Our coastal waters and the marine life therein form part of our environment as well, and it needs to be properly protected but not merely on paper.”

Whilst it appreciated the efforts being done by Government to improve the Island’s tourism product, the Gozo Tourism Association said it is proposing that additional initiatives can be taken to improve the image of Gozo as a tourist destination. In a recent survey conducted by the Gozo Tourism Association, tourism operators stated that “unfinished projects are giving a shabby look of the island.”

It noted that the additions to the sea link between the Mainland and Gozo of a fourth ferry and fast ferries have improved immensely the way travellers get to Gozo in a quicker and more efficient way.

However the Gozo Tourism Association said it believes that the inter-island connectivity is to be “continuously improved and sustained.”

The GTA Budget proposals are as follows:

• Retain, improve and sustain the fast ferry service which can also assist in attracting to Gozo other niche tourists.

• Building a fourth ferry identical to the existing ones to replace the Nikolaus.

• Commence the development of the Airfield for the fixed wing airlink between Gozo and Malta.

• The whole of Gozo to be considered as a Design Priority Area.

• Amend the PA Rural Policy to reflect the size of Gozo.

• Formulate a specific Agri Business policy for Gozo.

• Draw Planning Policies specifically for Gozo in consultation with Local Councils, the GRDA and other stakeholders.

• Ensure the enforcement of Marine Protected Areas around the Gozitan coast.

• Ringfence the ECO contribution collected from Gozitan accommodation units to be invested in product upgrading.

• Ensure and enforce the right of access to the diving sector for the shoreline on the North and North west of Gozo.

• Fast track the amendments to the Tourism Act 1999 to reflect the new trends in tourism establishments.

• Develop a water park and incorporate sports facilities in one holistic project at the Ta’ Xhajma Horse Race Complex.

• Incentivise tour operators specialising in winter breaks and longer stays to market and sell Gozo for the November to April period.

• Re-introduce the vouchers scheme for the domestic market covering the period November 2022 to March 2023.

• Create, offer, support and entice new niches like adventure, activity, sports, walking, digital nomads and well-being.

• Introduce a grant scheme for students who opt to work during the weekends or their holidays in Gozitan tourism establishments.

• Organise courses targeting foreign employees to learn the basics of the Maltese and English Language, as well the history and culture of the Maltese Islands.

• Set up training courses during the winter months aimed at improving knowledge and skills in the tourism industry to encourage the retention of employees during off-peak months, sustained through employer and employee full NI Credit for the duration of the courses.

• 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.

• Ensure that the Public Sector is not in competition with the Private Sector for the recruitment of employees by offering favourable and unmatchable working conditions.

File photo by Alain Salvary

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