The significance of independence today must be viewed in the context of a national heritage founded on a 6,000-year history, and the social cohesion of a resilient community that has, over the centuries, been open to a cosmopolitan outlook.
When commemorating dates of national importance, we must always focus on their relevance to the nation’s livelihood. Mass emigration was the only life-saving measure 50 years back and, in fact, both Gozo and Malta experienced the worst brain drain ever in history. By comparison, one key element that Malta has to offer today as a regional centre for business is the quality of life it can offer to its population and foreign visitors, whether on short visits or on long-term stays. The quality of life hinges in part on income levels and productivity, but in the case of Malta and Gozo, it depends critically on its naturally fabulous Mediterranean climate. Gozo, in particular, offers its own natural island and regional environment adorned with a wealth of artistic and cultural heritage.
It is no surprise therefore that, five or so decades since that particular phase of our history, the country’s competitive advantage is also built on the other aspects of environmental, cultural and social capital. In a period of rapid changes and progress, the Government is successfully striving to achieve the correct balance in order to transform trade-offs into the elements of sustainable development into synergetic relationships, with the help of the social partners and other relevant stakeholders.
Highest economic growth
For the past five years Malta has been steadily undergoing a structural economic transformation which is manifesting itself in a very strong rate of growth since 2013. More importantly, it is transforming the national economy into one that is more productive, inclusive and innovative.
With economic growth reaching the 5.7 per cent mark in the first half of 2018, Malta has emerged as the top eurozone performer in a league table compiled by a leading rating agency. In its macro update for Europe, DBRS reported this week that Malta’s real GDP growth in the first six months was well above the euro area average of 2.3 per cent. The credit rating table shows Malta topping the list for GDP growth in the first half of 2018
We also take pride in noting that, in addition, Malta was one of the three countries with the lowest unemployment rate – at 3.9 per cent. Germany had the lowest unemployment rate at 3.4 per cent, while the Netherlands registered a rate on a par with Malta. These are the real fȇtes that any responsible politician should focus on when commemorating national feasts, with further resolve to maintain the tempo and strive harder.
A flourishing tourist industry
Despite the successful diversification in the employment sector, particularly in gaming and financial services, tourism is the mainstay of the country’s economy and the success achieved in recent years proves the quality leaps made in the way this vital service industry is being managed.
The tourism offering of Malta and Gozo is increasingly being transformed from one that depended almost exclusively on sun and sea to one that offers unique experiences in a Mediterranean island context. Accommodation opportunities have been diversified to include village-core experiences and boutique hotels that are immersed in history and culture. The objective is to diversify into tourism with various interests and age groups, in order to increase the base of repeat tourists. It is also essential for tourism activity to be sustainable from all dimensions.
A recent survey by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) reports that Malta had 5.3 visitors per inhabitant last year, making it the world’s second most popular country for tourism per capita. Iceland was the most visited country, with 6,600 visitors per 1,000 citizens and The Bahamas in the Caribbean came in third with 3,800 visitors.
Such a success also has its own repercussions. We have now reached the point at which the MHRA has recently expressed its concern about what it terms ‘over-tourism’. I am sure my friends Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi and MTA Chairman Gavin Gulia are diligently planning and focusing on the necessary measures for sustainable tourism.
Gozo opera month
Seasonality in tourism has always been a challenge for Gozo. This is being overcome by a full calendar of activities to attract both international and domestic tourists, ranging from musical concerts to various thematic events and traditional festas. The Gozo Ministry recognises the fact that there is a richness of niches and activities to explore and pursue in the context of the island – both on its own merits and as part of the Maltese archipelago. During the past year, we have been promoting the various landscapes and experiences to be enjoyed by day and by night so that tourists can reap the maximum benefits during their visit at any time of the year. The public’s response has been consistently very encouraging.
In line with this, I have this week launched the first ever Gozo Opera Month, with a programme of activities linked to opera in Gozo. The festival programme is taking place after lengthy discussions between all those concerned. Both popular theatres in Victoria organised such opera productions in Gozo and these will now be part of a much broader and challenging programme. We aim to bring culture – in its various forms – closer to the citizens and, therefore, with the help of the two main societies and a number of other stakeholders, a month of opera-related events will be held outside the main theatres. These will range from lectures on the operas and concerts to exhibitions on the related topic.
Gozo itself will also be decorated with the theme of each opera: Puccini’s Tosca and Verdi’s La Traviata during the month of October – known as the ‘opera season’ on the island. Both La Stella and Leone philharmonic societies have built up a rich tradition over the years and we believe that this should be sustained and encouraged to flourish among future generations. The Ministry has invested significantly to create an effective build-up and to extend the magic of opera to a wider audience.
Major projects
The long list of infrastructural work around Gozo has become a landmark for residents and those who visit the island. After long hours at the drawing table and the necessary procedural measures, work has begun with a view to bringing to realisation projects that have long been felt necessary, as Gozitans know so very well. This week, a public call for tenders has been issued for the paving and embellishment work in St Francis Square in Victoria. As in the case of other major projects, the call was issued following the completion of the relative public consultation. The tender is published on the Gozo Ministry website www.gozo.gov.mt and submissions must be received by 10 October in accordance with the instructions and indications given.
The completion of work on the square will also complement the project for the nearby steps and the new Health Centre announced earlier this year. This is a holistic project that will not only complete the regeneration of this popular area but will also be serving various needs and functions. Both these projects, and those for Rotunda Square in Xewkija, are major components of ‘Project Gozo’, with a view to ensuring that local communities are more accessible and that the areas involved can be enjoyed by the public through the provision of quality infrastructure and proper street furniture.
Months of planning, design, costings and consultation will now see the light of day and join in the chosen theme for Budget 2019: Fostering a Quality Culture. It is our resolve to sustain the rhythm of our success and ensure quality work in everything that we deliver.