Tourism on Gozo is very sensitive as well as very seasonal, they said in a joint statement, and the fact that the service has been stopped at this crucial time of the year will further aggravate the problem of accessibility.

The authorities knew that the helicopter service would have to be suspended by the end of October, they said, because the aircraft was below EU standards. Both organisations are of the opinion that discussions regarding an alternative service provider should have been started well in advance so that the continuity of service was guaranteed.

They expressed the hope that discussions currently being held with a prospective service provider will be concluded in the shortest time possible, for the benefit of the Gozitan economy. The Gozo Business Chamber and The Gozo Tourism Association urged the government to put its social obligation into practice and not shirk its responsibility in the provision of this service.

They also said that now is an appropriate time to seriously

consider the introduction of a fixed-wing air service between Malta and Gozo, which would be more economical and more environmentally friendly. Further-more, they believe that the service should be more frequent.