Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1534974
3 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 2 MAY 2025 NEWS GozoToday is a weekly newspaper focused primarily on Gozo. It hopes to serve as a source of information on business, culture, entertainment and of course current affairs. Gozo has a special charm about it but it is also a bustling Island with an identity of its own. GozoToday is published every Friday and is available to numerous outlets in Gozo and on the ferries that carry so many visitors to Gozo from Malta and beyond. GozoToday MediaToday Co. Ltd, Vjal ir-Rihan San Gwann SGN 9016 EDITOR: PAUL COCKS Tel: (356) 21 382741-3, 21 382745-6 Website: www.maltatoday.com.mt E-mail: dailynews@mediatoday.com.mt CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 When asked about the effect of foreign tourism on their business during 2024, 67% of respondents classified the foreign market's im- pact as either 'Good' or 'Excellent'. Furthermore, 55% confirmed that the foreign market performed bet- ter than in 2023, while 21% said it remained the same, and 24% re- ported a weaker performance. The domestic market, meanwhile, presented more balanced results. Around 42% of respondents de- scribed the domestic market's ef- fect as either 'Good' or 'Excellent,' while 38% rated it as 'Average' and 19% as 'Poor.' When compared to the previous year, 29% of respondents said the domestic market had improved, another 42% felt it remained un- changed, while 29% reported a de- cline. In terms of revenue generated during the year 2024, 58% of re- spondents classified their income as 'Good' or 'Excellent.' Comparing revenue figures with those of 2023, 52% stated that 2024 revenue was higher, 30% said it remained stable, and 18% indicated a decline. Among those who saw increased revenues, the majority (83%) at- tributed the growth mainly to an increase in clientele, rather than higher prices. Regarding the festive season (24th December 2024 – 1st January 2025), 29% reported better revenue than the previous year, 39% stated it remained the same, while 32% in- dicated a drop. Despite these positive devel- opments, challenges persist for Gozitan tourism operators. Rising operating costs remain the most pressing concern, identified by nearly 79% of respondents. Other significant challenges in- clude increases in prices (48%), staff shortages (36%), skills pass (33%), foreign staff work permits (30%), and infrastructural works (30%). Several operators also highlighted issues such as administrative bu- reaucracy and financial costs. When asked about the evolution of their business operations over the past year, 44% of respondents reported improvements, 41% stated operations remained unchanged, and 15% indicated deterioration. Finally, when gauging Gozo's competitiveness, 76% of respond- ents expressed concern that in- creasing operating costs could un- dermine the island's position as a desirable destination. Comments cited construction works, rising costs, excessive book- ing engine commissions, infra- structural challenges, and a per- ceived loss of Gozo's traditional peaceful character as key risks. THE Saturday morning series of public talks at Il- Ħaġar Museum returns on Saturday 3 May 2025, as usual at 11.00am, with Malta and Gozo's first EU Commissioner Dr Joe Borg discussing our country's path to EU membership and its achievements over 20 years since accession. Dr Borg will discuss the future of the European Un- ion, addressing key questions and challenges, and will also explore areas identified by the European Council and the European Commission for further develop- ment, specific targets, or necessary reforms. Particular emphasis will be placed on threats to de- mocracy and European values, strengthening the rule of law, addressing defence and security challenges, and the broader question of EU reform. The final part of the talk will examine Malta's posi- tion on these sensitive issues as it navigates its future within an evolving European Union. Dr Joe Borg graduated as Doctor of Laws in Malta in 1975 and earned a Master of Laws in Wales in 1988. A former academic specialising in Company Law and Industrial Law at the University of Malta, he authored Malta's Companies Act in 1995 and served on the Cen- tral Bank of Malta's Board of Directors. Between 1999 and 2004, as Malta's Minister of For- eign Affairs, he led the EU accession negotiations. In 2004, he became Malta's first European Commission- er, responsible for fisheries and maritime affairs, serv- ing until 2010. Afterward, he resumed lecturing, chaired the Med- iterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (2010- 2017), and led the Malta Maritime Forum (2015-2021). He was awarded a D.Litt Honoris Causa by the Uni- versity of Malta in 2016 for his role in Malta's EU ac- cession and contributions as European Commissioner. Admission is free but seat reservations are recommended by sending an email to events@ heartofgozo.org.mt. Joe Borg to deliver public lecture at Il- Hagar Museum on Malta and the EU Joe Borg Tourism operate report greater improvement in foreign market over local business When gauging Gozo's competitiveness, 76% of respondents expressed concern that increasing operating costs could undermine the island's position as a desirable destination