Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1539398
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 ASSISTANT EDITOR: LAURA CALLEJA Tel: (356) 21 382741-3, 21 382745-6 Website: www.maltatoday.com.mt E-mail: dailynews@mediatoday.com.mt 3 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 12 SEPTEMBER 2025 NEWS CONTINES FROM PAGE 1 He noted: "This is the type of investment which forms the ba- sis of the Regional Strategy for Gozo, a strategy that Govern- ment has launched and is now implementing." The Prime Minister under- lined government's ongoing commitment to invest in Gozo, stressing that the island is cen- tral to national vision of creat- ing new prosperity. He said that in this way Gozo will become the engine of the country's new prosperity. Dr Abela highlighted several quality projects that are currently underway, including the construction of a new pri- mary school in Rabat, ongoing works on the Rabat-Marsalforn road, and the progress made on the Gozo Museum project. Abela also announced that government is preparing to launch a number of addition- al initiatives under the Urban Sustainable Development Fund, through which Gozo will benefit from an investment of €60 mil- lion. He explained that, "This will translate into new green ur- ban spaces, including an under- ground car park in the centre of Rabat and the extension of Villa Rundle Gardens." Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri also addressed the in- auguration, describing the day as "a historic moment for the island with the opening of the Sports and Aquatic Pavilion". He said that this is the first pro- ject of its kind in Gozo, featuring not only the island's first Olym- pic-sized pool but also a wide range of international- standard sports facilities under one roof. Minister Camilleri explained that the pavilion embodies a clear and concrete vision for the development of sport in Gozo. "In fact, we are placing Gozo on the European map as a sports destination, offering state-of- the-art facilities built to international standards. For many years, this was only a promise on paper, but today it has become a reality thanks to the Government that delivers on its commitments," said Camill- eri. He outlined the extensive work carried out to realise this project, adding that the pavilion will be crucial not only for the advancement of sport on the island but also for the growth of sports tourism, the hosting of international competitions, and the creation of new oppor- tunities for Gozitan athletes of all ages. Beyond swimming, the pavilion also caters for multiple disciplines including basketball, volleyball, netball, badminton, handball, padel, and squash. The complex further includes a dedicated hall for gymnastics, dance, table tennis, and martial arts. 'We are placing Gozo on the European map as a sports destination' - Clint Camilleri Left to right: Prime Minister Robert Abela and Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri THE government is committed to strengthening Gozo's econo- my, improving quality of life, and preserving the island's distinct identity, Prime Minister Robert Abela said during a pre-budget consultation with Gozitan stake- holders held this week. The meeting, which brought together members of the Gozo Regional Committee, focused on key economic and social pri- orities for the island ahead of the upcoming national budget. Among the main topics dis- cussed were accessibility and connectivity, economic diver- sification, digitalisation, work- force development, employee well-being, and the protection of cultural and property assets. In his address, Abela pointed to significant economic pro- gress on the island, particular- ly in terms of employment. "In 2013, nearly 750 people in Gozo were registering for work. To- day, that number has dropped to just over 50," he said. Abela also highlighted ongoing investment in educational infrastructure, including new schools, and em- phasised the importance of open and green public spaces. He re- ferred to several upcoming pro- jects funded through the Fund for Sustainable Urban Develop- ment, from which Gozo is set to receive €60 million. Tourism was also a central theme of the discussion, with the Prime Minister noting that hotel guest numbers in Gozo had increased by 23% in the second quarter of 2025, with nights spent up by 17% com- pared to the previous year. He said Gozo's tourism sector is currently outpacing Malta's in growth, underlining the need for a sustainable long-term tourism strategy. Abela linked these goals to broader strategic frameworks, including Malta's Vision 2050 and The Gozo Strategy: An Is- land of Villages, both of which he said aim to support a resil- ient, diversified Gozitan econo- my while preserving the island's unique character. Abela concluded by stressing that both physical and digital connectivity are crucial to at- tracting higher-value invest- ment and activity to Gozo. PM says government is committed to strengthening Gozo's economy, quality of life while preserving identity Ministers Owen Bonnici, Anton Refalo, Silvio Schembri, Clint Camilleri, Byron Camilleri, Clyde Caruana, and Clifton Grima, Parliamentary Secretary Andy Ellul, MP Abigail Camilleri, as well as the Head of Secretariat at the Office of the Prime Minister, Mark Mallia, were present for the meeting