Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1539607
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 • 19 SEPTEMBER 2025 NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 "These kinds of interventions add tangible value to our envi- ronment while preserving the unique rural identity and char- acter of these areas," Camilleri added. "It aligns perfectly with the government's long-term strategy for Gozo as a 'Island of Villages' and with the Gozo 2050 Vision, aiming to make the island more sustainable and at- tractive to quality tourism that respects the natural environ- ment." Zrinzo Azzopardi emphasised the role of EU funding in the project. "This is a clear exam- ple of how European funds are being used as practical tools to improve quality of life, preserve our natural environment, and provide valuable public spaces," he said. "It's a forward-looking investment that allows families and visitors to better enjoy the unique beauty of this area in a sustainable way." Project components include: • Planting of endemic trees and shrubs, accompanied by soil treatment to im- prove organic quality. • Installation of a modern irrigation system, includ- ing pumps, controllers, and related infrastructure to ensure long-term plant care. • Restoration of tradition- al dry-stone walls using coralline limestone, in line with national heritage standards to preserve the rural and cultural identity of the site. The project, taking place on land owned by the Archdio- cese of Malta, is expected not only to improve the ecological condition of Għammar Hill but also to provide a richer, more sustainable experience for all those visiting the Ta' Pinu Sanctuary. Ghammar Hill restoration inline with Gozo 2050 vision CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Borg said this development fills a long-standing strategic gap in Malta's air connectivi- ty with North America and is expected to significantly boost tourism arrivals from both the United States and Canada In recent years, Malta has ex- perienced steady growth in vis- itors from these markets, and the new direct link is anticipat- ed to accelerate this trend fur- ther. Additionally, the flights will provide an important con- nection for Maltese communi- ties residing in North America and those living in Malta. The minister also highlighted that the announcement marks the culmination of over a year of concerted efforts to secure direct transatlantic air service. He emphasised that this step aligns with Malta's broader ob- jective to shift towards a higher value-added tourism mix, at- tracting long-haul tourists who typically possess a higher so- cio-economic profile and seek authentic cultural experiences. "Long-haul travellers from North America are highly sought after for their spending power and interest in culture, heritage, and unique travel ex- periences," Borg said. "Malta and Gozo offer a wide range of opportunities for such visitors, from historical sites to religious tourism, culinary delights, and natural beauty." The introduction of the direct flights is fully integrated within Malta's national tourism plans, including the Malta Tourism Strategy 2030 and the Envision 2050 framework, both of which prioritise sustainable and quali- ty tourism growth. The strategy aims to attract visitors who val- ue Malta's cultural, natural, and historical assets while encour- aging longer stays and increased spending. The GTA expressed its grat- itude to all parties involved in making this milestone possi- ble, including the Ministry for Tourism, the Malta Tourism Authority, Malta Internation- al Airport, and the dedicated MTA team. The association said it believed the direct air link will not only boost visitor numbers but also contribute to the socio-eco- nomic development of Gozo by attracting quality tourists who appreciate authentic and sus- tainable travel experiences. Delta Air Lines' scheduled flights will operate three times weekly from June to October, providing Malta with direct access to the lucrative North American market, including both the United States and Canada. The route is also ex- pected to enhance cultural and economic cooperation between Malta and the United States. This development signals a significant step forward in Malta's global connectivity and tourism offering. By provid- ing convenient, direct access for North American travellers, Malta and Gozo are well posi/ tioned to increase their visibil- ity and competitiveness in the international tourism market. Flights direct from New York will start from June 2026 Delta Air Lines' scheduled flights will operate three times weekly from June to October