While the tourism sector on the mainland is concerned on the low-cost airlines, the Gozo Tourism Association and its Gozitan members are also concerned on the access to the island of Gozo.

In a statement, the association said that accessibility to the island is paramount to the tourism industry in Gozo. To this effect several Gozo Tourism Association members teamed up with Gozo Channel and during the current first six months of this year are offering a scheme whereby non-Gozitans at various times and on specified weekends can cross over to Gozo basically free of charge. This scheme is costing Gozo Channel and the 40 or so Gozitan establishments Lm82,000 over six months in reduced fares and ferry tickets redemptions.

This scheme was ample proof that both Gozo Channel and the association members understood and felt the need that something concretely had to be done towards accessibility by sea to Gozo. But while keeping all this in mind the Gozo Tourism Association cannot understand now that as from next month, the Gozo Channel fares are going to be increased again. This measure, although announced way back in 2004, is defeating the whole concept of making Gozo more accessible, during a period when the whole nation is realising how essential it is for a destination to be competitive in its accessibility.

While the association, through its members, is already contributing towards competitive access, it is also very much concerned that during this particular period in time this measure is going to rock the Gozo tourism boat again. The Gozo Tourism Association once again appeals to the competent authorities to revise and consider seriously this fare increase.

While the government announced measures to help the tourism industry by reducing contribution rates and incentive schemes to the airlines, the Gozo tourism industry which is more fragile than on mainland Malta is going to be given another blow in its accessibility. This is a case of two weights and two measures when statistically it is proved that 50 per cent of the annual total occupancy in the Gozitan accommodation is taken by the domestic market.