Despite the political instability and security threats surrounding the Mediterranean coastline, in the heart of the region Malta and Gozo registered a 24 per cent increase in tourism last November, which is a very typical shoulder month.

Total tourist expenditure was estimated at €101.7 million, an increase of 12.9 per cent over the corresponding month in 2015. Arrivals between January and November 2016 reached 1.9 million, an increase of 9.4 per cent over the same period in 2015.

For the whole year, the total tourism expenditure is estimated at €1.65 billion, 3.9 per cent higher than that recorded in 2015, but such figures do not come by chance. They can only be achieved through the hard work on the part of the Tourism Ministry, the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), the Gozo Tourism Association (GTA), the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) and all the stakeholders in this very important service and hospitality industry. 

 

Gozo’s success story

Statistical figures may seem lifeless if not supported by the positive results witnessed through the ripple effect in most areas in both islands. A further positive aspect is that Gozo has also recorded new highs as a holiday destination during the past months, reflecting the joint efforts by everyone involved. According to a 2015 study commissioned by the Tourism Ministry, tourism contributes 50 per cent of Gozo’s GDP. The study also noted that one in five Gozitans worked within the tourism sector, and it generates 30 per cent of the jobs in Gozo’s private sector.

Despite these facts, however, this time last year seasonality was considered a challenging issue for Gozo. The figures for November, however, prove that this challenge has been taken on – and the results are showing. Gozo’s tourism product possesses great strengths in areas such as quality accommodation, wellness, relaxation, scuba diving and traditional outdoor activities and its potential as a destination for rural tourism also needs to be further explored. Together with the Tourism Ministry, as a Secretariat we are also enhancing the local product to make it more accessible and therefore create another tourism niche. With its distinct natural environment, Gozo is capable of attracting tourism flows that can vary substantially, including the ever-increasing domestic tourism.

 

Our distinct product

The GTA is to be praised for the creation of new and vital niche markets. The island’s rich rural heritage can be presented as a cultural niche in the form of events, arts and crafts, outdoor activities, festivals, folklore and gastronomy. Religious tourism, Gozo’s archaeological treasures and millennial history could be better packaged and further promoted as highlights of the island’s distinct attractions. Other areas of potential growth include the film industry, which has been successful in recent months, together with Gozo's rich cultural calendar – over and above the popular festa season.

The GTA has also been proactive in securing and benefiting from EU funding for marketing initiatives aimed at raising Gozo's international profile, complementing the efforts of the MTA in this respect. It is encouraging to note that the GTA is very actively pursuing the government’s vision for Gozo, sharing common strategic priorities. This ensures continuity in the economic benefits from regular tourism activity, generating more and better jobs for Gozitans as well as diversifying Gozo’s tourist offer, making it sustainable in the long-term.

 

The New Year – full speed ahead

The festive season might have reasonably provided a deserved pause from our usual work patterns and I wish to thank all those who continued with their duties while most of us were celebrating with family and friends. I publicly salute all those working around the clock in hospitals and homes for the elderly, those responsible for energy supplies, the police, the military, the civil protection personnel and all those who secured law and order and gave their services so that many could enjoy their holidays.

I must admit that my colleagues and I at the Parliamentary Secretariat for the disability and elderly sectors were still busy with the various initiatives specifically timed for the Christmas period. The second Naħseb Fik (‘thinking of you’) campaign was another success, as were various other events at the St Vincent long-term care facility and all residential homes in both Malta and Gozo. It is always encouraging to witness the enthusiasm shown by managements and staff to create a festive ambience for older people and those with a disability.   

January brings us back to our tasks and our call of duty expects our regular commitment.  My own office is fully geared up to proceed and complete a wide range of projects in both the sectors for which I am responsible. This year we will enhance our impetus in implementing further steps through the strategies we set ourselves. As from tomorrow, we will be reaping the fruits of long months of planning and consultations and providing the people we are meant to serve with everything they deserve. Our continuous work will certainly be accompanied by the fiscal Budget 2017 measures and benefits that came into effect last Monday.

 

Presiding over the EU Council

Last Monday, Malta took over the EU Council Presidency for the first time in history and as a united people we have much of which to be proud. In the words of our Prime Minister: “We will start 2017 better-off than when we started 2016, as Malta is stronger now than it was back then and we are moving in the right direction. Malta is one of the most stable countries in Europe, with one of the best economies.” We already knew last year that Malta was an optimistic and forward-looking country and we now we have Eurostat confirming that the Maltese are the most positive in Europe when it comes to looking to their future.

Quoting from Dr Muscat’s New Year message” “Even though Malta will assume the EU Presidency, we will not be a bigger country, we will remain the smallest country in the EU, [but] we will remain sensitive to the needs of Maltese and Gozitan families and businesses.” We will keep our feet on the ground, but rise to the occasion and make our Presidency a success – a success for all of Europe, which faces many challenges ahead, but also a success for our country, by showing that the size of a country is not an obstacle, but rather can be an advantage.

Our own record in the disability sector will strengthen our role in the social inclusion debate and, in particular, lead our partners in reaching a final formulation and endorsement of the Accessibility Act that the EU has long been discussing. Millions of people with disabilities all over the EU rightfully expect their leaders to conclude the talking and come up with some concrete action.   

 

Solidarity with innocent victims

Notwithstanding the festive mode of the past weeks, no effort was spared by terrorists to make their presence felt around us. The bloodshed in Germany, in Turkey and Syria – and elsewhere – proves that the message of ‘peace on earth and good will to all men” is far from having been understood.

What saddens me the most are the innocent victims, many of whom happen to be already among the most vulnerable, who end up in the line of fire for no reason whatsoever. Bombing hospitals, schools and homes for the elderly are examples of the cruellest and most inhuman acts incited by hatred and pique. It is indeed heart-breaking to see butchered children and limping elders covered in blood while they seek refuge. 

It sounds so ironic that last November song-writer Bob Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize for his poetry, amongst which we read his question: “How many times must the cannon balls fly before they’re forever banned?” Dylan’s 1963 lyrics suggest that “the answer is blowing in the wind”, but mankind knows very well that the real reply lies within humanity’s own heart and mind that can respond to hatred, including hate language, wherever it comes from!

 

The kind heart of Malta and Gozo

In our own modest way, as a nation, we respond with generosity when called upon to show our support. Last Sunday’s feast of solidarity with id-Dar tal-Providenza was again clear evidence of our nation’s conscientiousness and sense of solidarity. 

The Parliamentary Secretariat I lead works very closely with this providential institution throughout the year, and Dar Shalom in Żurrieq is tangible proof of our commitment. We are determined to continue and strengthen our support, whilst appealing to all Maltese and Gozitans to extend their solidarity all year round.