Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1538943
4 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 29 AUGUST 2025 NEWS Sustainable, and value-led tourism only way forward, Gozo Tourism CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Strengthening connectivi- ty, diversifying tourism, safe- guarding the environment, and investing in people are among the key proposals put forward by the Gozo Tourism Associa- tion (GTA) ahead of the 2026 budget. Key priorities include up- grading ferry and port infra- structure, exploring new air links, and implementing "smart transport solutions to improve accessibility." Furthermore, the association said that there needed to be a greater focus on niche sectors, like diving, cul- tural heritage and agritourism. Whilst also acknowledging that legislation must modernise to keep with evolving visitor de- mands. The association added that protecting Gozo's unique char- acter requires tailored planning policies, conservation incen- tives, and the establishment of marine reserves. It also empha- sised the importance of joint marketing, digital innovation, and targeted support to posi- tion the island as a year-round destination. "Tourism for Gozo is un- doubtedly one of its main eco- nomic pillars. The achieve- ments of this sector are rooted in the island's uniqueness. Gozo has always been positioned, marketed, and promoted as a different destination, centred on its singular characteristics, natural and rural landscapes, and chequered history," the as- sociation said. The proposals come as Gozo continues to experience an in- flux of tourism. In 2024, for- eign tourism increased signifi- cantly, while domestic tourism recorded a slight decline. Ac- cording to the National Statis- tics Office (NSO), 20,918 tour- ists stayed overnight on the island, an increase of 13.24% from the previous year. Foreign day visitors rose by 295,743, a 19% jump of 19% compared to 2023. Most inbound tourists (56.5%) came from EU member states, with the United Kingdom re- maining the strongest single market at 31.3%. The majority of visitors (60%) were aged be- tween 25 and 44. non-package trips dominated (83%), with ac- commodation preferences split between self-catering (44%), hotels (30%), and non-rented properties (26%). Expenditure by inbound tourists using Gozo as their sole destination reached €88.6 million in 2024, up 7.8% from the previous year, although the average spends per visitor dipped slightly to €997. Do- mestic tourism, meanwhile, fell by 1% to 401,746 visitors, with expenditure down €1.2 million to €66.5 million. Against this backdrop, the GTA said Gozo must be pre- pared to deliver on its tourism promise. "The island's cleanli- ness, upkeep, and organisation, as well as the standards of its tourism establishments, must meet visitor expectations. At the same time, Gozo must re- main competitive in its offer- ings and ensure that visitors receive value for money. Gozo has excellent potential, let us not disappoint our visitors or shatter their expectations." Furthermore, the association said that Gozo's as a destination can only be sustained through collective action and continued support for the tourism sector. The GTA said that to suc- ceed, "execution must be depo- liticized, locally managed, and outcome driven. A leaner, KPI- based framework would en- hance accountability and drive measurable progress. Connectivity • Retain, improve, and sus- tain the fast ferry service to attract niche tourists to Gozo. • Upgrade the fast ferry terminal on the Mġarr quay to provide ade- quate waiting facilities for commuters, especial- ly with the new proposed Sliema–Buġibba–Mġarr service. • Commission a new elec- trically propelled wheel- chair-accessible ferry to replace the M/S Nikolaus and maintain a four-ves- sel rotation. • Initiate the development of the rural airfield to es- tablish a fixed-wing air- link between Gozo and Malta. • Conduct studies and im- pact assessments for the enlargement of Mġarr harbour. • Invest in infrastructure to upgrade the Ċirkew- wa South quay, offering additional berthing and marshalling space in line with the North quay's standards. • Enhance berthing and passenger facilities for cruise ships, including first-aid paramedics for emergencies. • Identify an alternative port to absorb part of the marine traffic currently operating from Mġarr harbour. • Improve and equip land- ing sites for cruise ten- ders at Xlendi, Marsal- forn, Ix-Xatt l-Aħmar, and Hondoq ir-Rum- mien to serve as contin- gencies when Mġarr har- bour access is restricted. • Commission studies on alternative land access routes to Mġarr harbour, which is presently served by a single road. • Implement digital ticket- ing across ferries, buses, niche tours, museums, and other cultural attrac- tions. Tourism • Ringfence the ECO con- tribution collected from Gozitan accommodation establishments to be in- vested in product up- grading, such as kitting up areas for the diving community, climbing and abseiling areas, kite- surf zones, signage, and trail upgrades. • Invest in a six-plus per- son hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber at the Gozo General Hospital. • Ensure and enforce the right of access for the diving sector to the shoreline on the North and Northwest of Gozo. • Establish a marine park to attract more divers to Gozo and provide techni- cal and financial support within a management structure for the area. • Allocate funds to start implementing the ac- tions for the Gozitan div- ing sector as listed in the Diving Strategy for the Maltese Islands. • Reduce the VAT appli- cable for admission to shows, theatres, fairs, amusement parks, con- certs, museums, cinemas, exhibitions, and similar cultural events and facil- ities from 18% to 7%. GTA propsals Ta' Pinu church in Gozo (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)