I have just spent a few days in Gozo, doing like many Maltese did during the week of the “Santa Marija” feast.

It was the first time that I visited the island during this particular week, as I normally try to avoid the crowds and prefer going there in July or September.

I could therefore see for myself the good number of Maltese people who travel to Gozo for their holidays during this time of the year.

Gozo thrives on such internal tourism, and it is safe to say that Gozitan restaurant owners and hoteliers look forward to the influx of Maltese visitors. But I must say that I did not encounter many foreigners on the island, and this made me wonder why.

I do not think that Gozo is promoted well among our foreign visitors. Many tourists just go there for a day and do not stay overnight. Figures published regularly give a clear indication of this.

At a time when our tourist industry is not doing well, Gozo should perhaps be promoted as a holiday within a holiday. Gozo maintains characteristics which Malta has lost over the years, and this is something that the Malta Tourism Authority should work on.

Tourists who come over to Malta should be encouraged to visit Gozo, maybe through leaflets and brochures available in their hotel. Gozo should not rely solely on Maltese tourism, but should be made more available to our foreign visitors.

P. Muscat

Mosta