Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1523564
7 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 5 JULY 2024 Q & A rectorate within the Ministry for Gozo and Planning but in Gozo one can find other heritage sites which are managed by Heritage Malta or by NGOs, name- ly Din l-Art Helwa and Wirt Għawdex. Heritage Malta manages Ggantija Tem- ples and Ta' Kola Windmill, both in Xagħra, Din l-Art Ħelwa manages Dwe- jra Coastal Tower, whilst Wirt Għaw- dex manages Mgarr ix-Xini Tower and Santa Cecilia Chapel at Għajnsielem. Are the summer months still attracting visitors to these heritage sites? Although the Ministry for Gozo & Planning makes huge efforts to estab- lish Gozo as a year around destination, Summer undeniably attracts more visi- tors to these sites since tourism is at its highest peak during this period. How important is heritage and culture tourism in Gozo from an economic perspective? Heritage and culture tourism are of par- amount importance from an economic perspective. That is why the Ministry for Gozo & Planning is continuing planning and consolidating Gozo's thematic fes- tivals. The colourful calendar of events in Gozo cannot be passed by unnoticed. Our aim is to give added value to all those who visit our island, being for lei- sure or work. The National Cultural Pol- icy (2021) acknowledges the importance of sustainable cultural tourism practices that integrate the management of cultur- al heritage, arts events and tourism activi- ties in collaboration with local communi- ties to create positive spillovers to achieve social, environmental, cultural and eco- nomic benefits for all stakeholders. How long would a serious heritage tourist junkie need to visit most of Gozo's heritage sites? Day trippers can manage quite a num- ber of sites in a day. However, for one to truly appreciate all the heritage sites would need at least a tw0-day visit. Other than the foreign visitors, Gozo also experiences serious interest from Maltese visitors. How important is this? According to the NSO report issued in July 2023, the total number of inbound and domestic tourists who visited the Gozo and Comino region during 2022 amounted to 460,514. Domestic tour- ists accounted for 72.0 per cent of total tourism demand within this region. What are the plans for the future in terms of new heritage sites? Għar Gerduf urgently requires emer- gency consolidation and conservation work since it is in a very poor state of preservation and is at risk of imminent structural collapse. Restoration and a pro- posed Visitors' Centre would allow the site to be turned into an important cul- tural heritage attraction open to the pub- lic. Through its restoration and improved accessibility, the Ministry for Gozo & Planning would also valorise the overall product of Wied il-Lunzjata, which is one of the most fertile valley systems on the island and a Natura 2000 site. As to the Aqueducts, recent studies have revealed that these structures, as result of years long neglect, are in danger of col- lapse. Several parts are leaning, while at least three of the arches are failing. Thus the Ministry for Gozo & Planning has no other option but to commence with the restoration before irreversible damage is caused. Infact a tender was published re- cently and is at the adjudication process. Furthermore, the Aqueducts have the potential to act as an anchor point in the sense that their unique historical impor- tance is capable in generating significant interest that would spill-over to other sites. The Aqueducts fall in this category due to its prominent location, acting as the gateway to the west of Gozo. With regards the Cittadella, the Cul- tural Heritage Directorate is envisaging a meaningful and personalised Aug- mented Reality experience which will cater for three categories – historical, cultural and ecological. Last but surely not least, one has to mention The Gozo Museum, a project by the Ministry for Gozo & Planning that will be managed by Heritage Malta, a museum that will include innovative and digital presentation of Gozo and the evolution of the Gozitan lifestyle. The Ministry for Gozo & Planning will continue implementing the Restoration Fund so as to preserve and restore lo- cal heritage sites and monuments and improve accessibility to such cultural sites. And in accordance with The Gozo Regional Development Strategy (2023), would "enhance accessibility and connec- tivity to cultural heritage, resources and activities, physically and through digitali- sation" and "promote a culturally distinc- tive Gozo". mainstay of the island's pull factor The Xewkija windmill The Aqueducts outside Victoria