Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545453
BUSINESSES across the is- land are reporting stable trad- ing conditions but rising cost pressures and persistent labour shortages, according to the lat- est Gozo Business Sentiment Survey published by the Gozo Regional Development Au- thority and the Gozo Business Chamber. The fifth edition of the semi-annual survey, carried out in March 2026 and re- leased last week, shows that while overall sentiment re- mains firmly positive, infla- tionary pressures and skills gaps are increasingly shaping the outlook for firms. Nearly half of businesses (49%) reported rising cost pressures, the first time this issue has topped the list of challenges since 2023. Firms in transport, hospitality and construction were among the most affected. The survey noted that the re- sults come amid higher glob- al energy and transport costs linked to geopolitical tensions, including the conflict in the Middle East. While domestic energy prices remain subsi- dised, imported inputs are still being affected by international price movements. Labour shortages remain a constraint, with 48% of firms reporting difficulty finding suitable employees, although this is slightly lower than in the previous round. SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL FRIDAY 19 JUNE 2026 • ISSUE 099 • PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY gozotoday CONTINUES PAGE 4 €1.00 Personal Loans NEW BOAT? All loans are subject to normal bank lending criteria and final approval from the Bank. The term of the loan must not go beyond re rement age. Issued by Bank of Valle a p.l.c. 58, Triq San Żakkarija, Il-Belt Valle a VLT 1130. Bank of Valle a p.l.c. is regulated by the MFSA and licensed to carry out the business of banking in terms of the Banking Act (Cap. 371 of the Laws of Malta). Compe ve Interest Rates Gozo business sentiment steady despite rising costs NGO criticises farmhouse demolition in Ggantija buffer zone THE clearance process for a controversial development in Gozo was completed with un- usual speed, with approvals issued on the very same day the final required documen- tation was submitted, accord- ing to Din l-Art Ħelwa Execu- tive President Patrick Calleja. Speaking to GozoToday, Calleja criticised the handling of the demolition of a ver- nacular farmhouse within the Ġgantija Temples UNESCO buffer zone. The heritage NGO has strongly condemned the demolition of the tradition- al rural building, describing it as an irreversible loss to Gozo's architectural heritage and a further erosion of the historic land- scape surrounding one of Mal- ta's most i m p o r t a n t archaeologi- cal sites. LAURA CALLEJA lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt CONTINUES CONTINUES PAGE 3 PAGE 3 Gozo businesses are reporting steady and broadly positive conditions, but rising cost pressures have overtaken labour shortages as the main concern, according to the latest Gozo Business Sentiment survey Patrick Calleja