Malta Hotels and Restau-rants Association president Josef Formosa Gauci met Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono during a courtesy visit at her ministry.

Issues which are affecting Gozo’s tourism performance were discussed.

Mr Formosa Gauci ex-pressed his concern regarding the negative performance of the tourism industry in Malta and Gozo last year and the prospects for this year.

The halt of the air-link between the two islands is of major concern and Mr Formosa Gauci said that decisions have to be taken to find a solution to this perennial problem. A study needs to be carried out to ensure that a feasible and sustainable airlink between the two islands is decided upon and implemented in the shortest possible time.

Mr Formosa Gauci also assured the minister that the MHRA will continue to lobby with the MTA to ensure that Gozo is given, by this authority, the importance it rightly deserves.

Mr Formosa Gauci also emphasised the need to ensure that works at the sea passenger terminals at both Mgarr and Cirkewwa are accelerated to minimise the inconvenience to both locals and visitors making the crossing between the two islands.

Also it was important to have mooring facilities at more than one location for cruise liners to stop and offer passengers a visit to Gozo’s places of interest, some of which are unique.

Progress on the road improvements were discussed during the meeting.

Mr Formosa Gauci was accompanied by CEO George Schembri and Rosemarie Stagno Navarra, MHRA Council member for Gozo.