Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1547491
4 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 6 NOVEMBER 2026 NEWS CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 In August, more than half the island was left without electricity for an extended period, with mo- bile generators deployed while re- pair works were underway. The GTA surveyed businesses across the tourism sector, includ- ing accommodation providers, restaurants, diving centres, tourist attractions, transport operators, and travel agencies. The survey assessed their perfor- mance between June and Septem- ber 2026, comparing the results with the same period in 2025. The top challenges for Gozitan businesses Power outages topped the list of challenges, followed closely by ris- ing operating costs at 63%. Traffic congestion and staff shortages were each cited by 52.3% of respondents, while 50.77% identified infrastructure and construction works as a major concern. Roadworks in Marsalforn were specifically highlighted by 36.9% of businesses, followed by the Skills Pass at 32.3% and adminis- trative bureaucracy at 23%. Not a single respondent report- ed facing no challenges through- out the summer. Summer construction The survey also examined the impact of infrastructure and con- struction works carried out dur- ing the summer, with businesses reporting problems related to noise, dust, and disruption to the surrounding environment. Traffic congestion was cited by 52.6% of respondents, while 49% reported parking difficulties caused by the works. Disruption to guests was reported by 40% of businesses, while 31.5% said construction works had made it difficult for customers to access their establishments. A further 19.3% reported cancel- lations or lost business as a result. Summer revenue largely average, but improvements reported Almost half of respondents (47.6%) rated their summer rev- enue as average, while 40% de- scribed it as good and 12.3% as poor. When comparing revenue with the same period in 2025, 38.5% re- ported no change, 36.9% recorded an increase and 24.6% reported a decline. Among businesses reporting higher revenue, around 66% at- tributed the increase to higher prices, while 56% pointed to an increase in customers. Improved marketing strategies were cited by 34.48%, while 12.5% attributed their improved perfor- mance to new services or offers. Meanwhile, among businesses reporting lower revenue, 77% said customers were spending less, 45.5% cited increased competi- tion, and 41% reported a decline in customer numbers. How can Gozo be better? Respondents were also asked to identify measures that could im- prove Gozo's tourism offering, attract higher-spending visitors, and create more business oppor- tunities. Suggestions included stronger promotion of Gozo as a destina- tion for longer stays, improved connectivity, better infrastruc- ture and public transport, greater cleanliness, and more effective traffic management. Business owners also stressed the importance of protecting the island's character and natural en- vironment, limiting disruption caused by construction works, and developing tourism opportu- nities during the winter months. Reporting by Eva Brannon GTA finds rising costs, traffic, and construction among biggest challenges facing Gozo's tourism Gozo attracts over 272,000 tourists in September Gozo and Comino attract a total of 272,910 tourists in September 2026, according to figures published by the National Statistics Office GOZO and Comino attract- ed a total of 272,910 tourists in September 2026, including both overnight and same-day visitors, accounting for 62.2% of all inbound tourists visiting the Maltese Islands, accord- ing to figures published by the National Statistics Office (NSO). Of these, 30,607 tourists stayed overnight in Gozo and Comino, representing 7% of total inbound visitors. Malta and Gozo welcomed an estimated 438,519 inbound tourists in September, an in- crease of 11.3% over the same month last year. Total tourist expenditure reached €487.2 million, up by 4.6%, while visi- tors spent a total of 2.7 million nights. The majority of guest nights (86.7%) were spent in rented accommodation establish- ments, with the average length of stay standing at 6.2 nights. During the first nine months of 2026, Gozo and Comino received 2,067,290 visitors, including same-day and over- night tourists, representing 57.4% of all inbound tourists. A total of 179,957 visitors stayed overnight on the is- lands, equivalent to 5% of to- tal inbound tourists. Tourist expenditure be- tween January and September reached €3.45 billion, an in- crease of 13.9% year-on-year, although average expenditure per capita declined from €985 to €959. Malta and Gozo welcomed an estimated 438,519 inbound tourists in September The results were reached through a survey conducted by the Gozo Tourism Authority