Yesterday’s front page of this publication carried a photograph of the luxury cruise liner The World berthed outside Mgarr Harbour, where it will stay for the next two days while its passengers discover the delights of Gozo.

During the discussion of the Budget 2008 estimates, various opposition MPs had called for the setting up of a cruise liner terminal in Gozo, as well as a yacht marina. The relevant minister pointed out that plans were in the pipeline to implement such projects. And, let’s face it, they are needed.

Gozo, if we had to be honest, is probably as much of a tourist attraction as is Malta – especially for cruise liners. The destination (and it must be marketed as such) offers an altogether very attractive stop-over for people on a cruise ship. It is small, very picturesque, and perhaps more of what a cruise liner passenger would expect when compared to Malta. What is definitely needed though is some form of quay, that is weather-protected, that can accommodate liners. Some might point the finger and say “What about Ville Franche – it is one of the most exclusive stop offs in the French Riviera, yet it manages without a quay.” That is true, but providing a quay in Gozo will give the island an edge over other destinations, especially if placed discreetly, yet strategically. From there, travellers could go to Comino, Malta and of course Gozo if desired – it really could be a gold mine. This especially holds true if some form of business could be drummed up whereby travellers stay on the archipelago for more than one day. It’s not rocket science – on arrival they could take a tour of Gozo, the next day they could go to Comino, or Malta – or even stay in Gozo for that matter.

But coupled with this, as already mentioned, there is a dire need for a yacht marina in Gozo. Mgarr doesn’t cut it – as described by an MP, the harbour there is simply a berthing station and not a fully equipped yacht marina. There are plenty of sites for a marina, and if done properly it could placate the needs of the business community while also not attracting outrage from the environmental NGO sector.

Also another issue that comes to mind is the seaplane service. The operators had told this newspaper that they needed alternative landing sites because the Mgarr water stretch can be too rough at times for their operations. While the aircraft can make a sheltered landing in the Grand Harbour, which is large and protected by its breakwater, it cannot do so in Mgarr, primarily because Mgarr harbour is too small and the plane does not have permission to set down within the breakwater.

These are all business opportunities, but like everything else they need the accompanying infrastructure to become qualified successes. In order to facilitate investment, we must make sure that all the necessary infrastructure is present. We cannot be presumptuous in thinking that our recent economic upturn is all that it takes to attract investment. We need to make sure that while we cater to the needs of tourists, we must also cater to the needs of those who will be bringing us visitors or will be housing them during their stay here. Food for thought.