Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1525730
5 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 23 AUGUST 2024 NEWS Last-minute bookings and price- conscious spending noticeable THE Environment and Resourc- es Authority (ERA) is insisting that it regularly carries out in- spections to monitor Maltese seas and beaches, so as to safe- guard the environment, particu- larly in areas that are protected by environmental laws. In addition, the authority im- mediately takes action whenever it receives related reports on its emergency number, that is avail- able every day, it said. The authority was reacting to reports of a slime patch reported in Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay in the past days. The same patch al- so reached the sandy beach in the bay, making parts of the beach inaccessible. ERA said in a statement that once the source of the slime patch was identified, it immediately co- ordinated a clean-up operation in consultation with the Gozo Min- istry and the Qala Local Coun- cil, where the Federation of Fish Farmers was requested to collect the slime and clean up the oil on the sand. This work, which lasted several days, was carried out by the Fed- eration of Fish Farmers, at their expense and under the supervi- sion of ERA officials. ERA said it is also considering action through administrative fines on the fish farm operator for breaching the environmental permit conditions that led to this episode. These conditions are included in environmental permits in or- der to limit environmental dam- age. Such action is typical for every case that the ERA investigates. ERA insisted it is committed to protecting the environment by taking immediate action with polluters, as it has done in recent days. It continues to prioritise the in- spections carried out by the Au- thority's officers and invites the public to get in touch whenever they notice any contamination, on 2292 3500. The patch of slime in Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay ERA insists it took immediate action to deal with slime patch in Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 "You had a number of res- taurants that did very well, but high-level restaurants noticed that affordable menus did bet- ter," he explained, underscor- ing the impact of the economic climate on consumer spending habits. This year's Santa Marija pe- riod, which spans ten days and is one of Gozo's busiest times, was marked by an increase in last-minute bookings. "What has been noticed the most is how tourists, both do- mestic and foreign, left it until the last minute to book," Borg said. While certain localities like Rabat reported strong numbers, traditionally popular tourist spots like Marsalforn and Xlendi saw a slight dip in visitor num- bers. However, Borg suggested that what was lost in these areas may have been compensated by gains in other regions. The Christian feast on August 15 is celebrated in seven parishes across Malta and Gozo: Mosta, Għaxaq, Gudja, Mqabba, Qren- di, Attard, and Victoria. In Gozo, this tradition is especially strong in attracting a significant influx of domestic tourists as the Mal- tese seize their holiday break to bask in the sun on the sister is- land. In this regard, the Chamber noted an increase in the number of Maltese individuals purchas- ing holiday homes or relocating to Gozo, which has contributed to a rise in retail and supermar- ket activity. This trend, while altering some tourism statistics, points to a growing domestic market that businesses are starting to cater to more actively. Looking ahead, Borg expressed some uncertainty about the com- ing months, driven by the same trends observed during Santa Marija. "From what we were told, they are not worrying too much," he said, referencing the feedback from businesses. However, Borg did acknowledge that this trend of price-conscious customers is not unique to Gozo, but rather part of a broader pattern seen across Europe. As for the challenges faced by Gozo's businesses, employment remains the biggest hurdle. "The market is tough. Workers are scarce, and Gozitan business- es are struggling to find staff, whether Maltese or foreign, lead- ing them to poach from each oth- er," Borg said, highlighting the la- bor shortage that has intensified pressure on the local market. "In short, while the Santa Marija period brought a good turnout for Gozo's businesses, it also revealed a clear shift to- ward last-minute bookings and price-sensitive spending. This has led to businesses adapting their strategies, especially in the food and hospitality sectors, to cater to a changing market land- scape," Borg said. "You had a number of restaurants that did very well, but high-level restaurants noticed that affordable menus did better." - Daniel Borg, President of the Gozo Business Chamber