Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1542320
5 gozotoday | WEDNESDAY • 31 DECEMBER 2025 OPINION Gozo's next confident step forward AS we stand on the brink of 2026, it is natural to pause and reflect on the past year while keeping our eyes firmly fixed on the road ahead. For Gozo, 2025 has been a year of resilience, steady progress and above all, proof that our island can look to the future with confidence. Economically, Gozo has continued to perform strongly despite an interna- tional environment marked by uncer- tainty. Our small but dynamic business community has adapted to new reali- ties, investing in innovation, digitalisa- tion and quality service. The Ministry has worked closely with the business community and social partners to safeguard and create jobs and support and nurture new econom- ic niches. The island's labour market remains equally robust. Registered unemploy- ment in Gozo has remained low by historical standards. This reflects the overall stability of the national labour market throughout the last years. Tourism has once again been a main pillar of our economy over the past year. NSO data confirms that visitor numbers have remained strong, sur- passing pre-pandemic levels in key metrics. Between January and October 2025, tourists visiting Gozo and Comi- no totalled over 2 million, representing a 12.5% growth over the same period in 2024. More importantly, we are seeing a gradual shift from volume to value. This critical transition is reflected in the 5.8% increase in overnight visitors in Gozo and the national trend show- ing per capita tourist expenditure ris- ing to €993 for January–October 2025. This demonstrates visitors are pursu- ing longer stays, higher-quality accom- modation and authentic Gozitan expe- riences. Through targeted promotion and events, improved connectivity and in- vestment in infrastructure, we have strengthened Gozo's position as a dis- tinct destination, not a mere extension of elsewhere. This has been matched by unprece- dented momentum in capital projects across the island. From road recon- struction and safer junctions to up- graded village squares, this momentum is turning our long-term vision into concrete reality. The ongoing invest- ment in transport infrastructure, par- ticularly our sea links, is ensuring that Gozo's economic activity is not ham- pered by geographic separation. The Regional Development Strategy for Gozo, now being implemented, will continue to serve as our blueprint for work and enterprise, continued invest- ment in transport links and greener in- frastructure, as well as support for ed- ucation, skills and cultural initiatives. Our priority as a Ministry will be to translate these measures from paper into tangible results on the ground. We will do this on time, within budget and with full transparency. We will continue to engage with stakeholders, listen to communities and ensure that this investment leaves a lasting, visible impact on Gozo's social and economic fabric. The year ahead will undoubted- ly present its challenges. However, through careful planning, adaptability, and collective effort, we can mitigate the impact of global economic pres- sures, a rapidly evolving labour mar- ket, and environmental demands. I am equally convinced that Gozo is better placed than ever to face these tests. I rest on our best asset, our people, who are resourceful and talented. Likewise, our institutions that are maturing, and our shared vision for a more prosper- ous, sustainable and inclusive island is clearer than before. As we welcome 2026, I want to ex- press my sincere appreciation to all the employees of the Ministry for Gozo and Planning and our entities, who work tirelessly to turn strategies into reality. Their dedication, profession- alism and passion for our island are the driving force behind every achieve- ment we celebrate. I look forward to another year of service, progress and opportunity for our island. Clint Camilleri is Minister for Gozo and Planning The year ahead will undoubtedly present its challenges. However, through careful planning, adaptability, and collective effort, we can mitigate the impact of global economic pressures, a rapidly evolving labour market, and environmental demands.