Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1517065
6 NEWS 7.3.2024 THE tourism sector in Gozo has registered a strong recov- ery, with increases in both the foreign and domestic markets, the chairman of the Gozo Tourism Association Paul Scicluna has confirmed. Scicluna, who was address- ing the GTA's 25th Annual General Meeting, said that although during 2023, tour- ism in Gozo was back to the pre-pandemic arrivals, the sector still faces challenges that need to be addressed. He noted that the tourism sector feels that the over de- velopment in Gozo is killing the goose that lay the golden egg. Another problem being encountered by tourism op- erators is the increases in op- erating expenses, which if not tackled properly can reduce the competitive edge of the destination. Furthermore Scicluna also stressed the need to main- tain the authenticity of the Gozitan touristic product, es- pecially through a trained and skilled labour force. The GTA's Chief Executive Officer, Joe Muscat then de- livered an audio-visual pres- entation on the performance of the Association during 2023. He gave an overview of the Gozitan touristic per- formance during last year, as well as the work and initia- tives undertaken by the As- sociation during the course of the past year 2023. In his address the Chief Ex- ecutive of the Malta Tourism Authority Carlo Micallef, gave an insight on the results obtained during the past year, whilst highlighting the im- portance of connectivity to Malta. He mentioned the addition- al seat capacity that several airlines will be adding during 2024. MTA chairman Dr. Gavin Gulia emphasized the contin- uous collaboration and syn- ergy between MTA and the GTA in promoting Gozo as a distinct destination. The Annual General Meet- ing was also addressed by the Opposition Spokesperson Dr. Alex Borg, who congratulat- ed the Association for the 25 years of endeavours towards the Gozitan tourism sector. Whilst highlighting the ster- ling work being carried out by the Malta Tourism Authority and the Directorate for Tour- ism and Economic Develop- ment, Dr. Borg expressed his vision that tourism on Gozo needs to be sustained more with specific measures tar- geted towards several niche markets. The AGM came to an end with an address by Gozo Min- ister Clint Camilleri, who praised the Association's achievements throughout the years, highlighting the remarkable milestone of 25 years since its inception. Camilleri said that the Gov- ernment must continue in- vesting in the tourism indus- try, and that positive results obtained in 2023 motivates the perpetuation of increased efforts in enhancing the bet- terment of the tourism prod- uct. The objective is to continue presenting Gozo as a distinct all-year round destination in order to preserve and aug- ment a sustainable tourism product for the present and the future. Gozo Tourism Association AGM highlights increased local and foreign tourist numbers VALLETTA Cruise Port, oper- ators of the Valletta Waterfront have recently finalised the resto- ration of the historic Forni Stores. e buildings referred to as Forni Stores consist of two sep- arate blocks varying in size and proportion. e block closer to Pinto Stores is known as Forni 1 and was built in 1720, with the façade divided into two bays. e other block known as Forni 2 is composed of 3 bays and is older having been constructed in 1626. Although Forni Stores must have been originally constructed to provide storage facilities, these were in 1810, converted by the British Navy into a bakery. is was the first naval bakery that furnished the growing navy with ship biscuits. e dramatic increase in the size of the navy during the first half of the nineteenth century re- sulted however in the need for a larger bakery, specifically built to meet the required efficient rate of biscuit production, thus meaning that Forni Stores were otherwise used during more recent history. With Valletta Waterfront locat- ed in Malta's Grand Harbour and highly susceptible to the natural elements, great care is taken that the many features of these histor- ical edifices are protected from elemental erosion. Stephen Xuereb, CEO of Vallet- ta Cruise Port and COO of Global Ports Holdin, said, "Working on buildings of this age and cultural significance is an honour which however comes with a great re- sponsibility. Valletta Cruise Port strives to bring the beauty of these buildings into the future, actively preserving our heritage whilst planning for our common future. It is vital to preserve Mal- ta's unique architectural heritage, especially through the conserva- tion of our traditional landscape and local stone. Indeed, as oper- ators of Valletta Cruise Port we constantly receive remarks from ship captains and crew that the sight of our historic port edific- es glistening in the light of the Mediterranean sun is one of the most welcoming sights in any port worldwide. It is our prerog- ative to be curators of this parcel of land within our historic Grand Harbour and to sustain efforts to preserve it." e Forni Stores restoration consisted of a very elaborate pro- cess ongoing over 11 months. is included carefully numbering each individual stone, followed by stone repair or replacement as required in the case of individual, badly deteriorated stones. Cleaning included the manual removal of accumulated dirt and dust mostly present on stones constructing the ledges or pro- truding parts of the building, as well as loose stone fragments. Valletta Waterfront's Forni Buildings rejuvenated