Upon receiving recent figures issued by the National Statistics Office regarding statistics compiled for 2007, the Gozo Tourism Association notes that the positive increase in tourist arrivals, which hit the 1.2 million mark, on a national level was also recorded in the Gozitan tourism industry.

In fact, foreign tourist arrivals in Gozo registered an increase of 6,634 over figures for 2006 representing an upward trend of 19 per cent. This increase positively affected the number of bednights spent by foreign tourists on the island. Bednight figures increased by 24,653 over the previous year with the length of stay of foreign tourists in Gozo averaging 5.24 nights.

A key factor for the Maltese tourism sector during 2007 was surely the introduction of low-cost airlines. The Gozo Tourism Association, although favouring this important decision, had been concerned that this measure would negatively affect the much needed activity generated in Gozo by the domestic market especially during the lean and shoulder months.

However the GTA also noted a positive increase in figures relating to this important segment of Gozo's tourism market. NSO figures show that during the past year, 3273 more Maltese residents opted for a short break in Gozo over the previous year. This represents an increase of 10.8 per cent over 2006 with the average length of stay standing at 1.98 nights.

When taken cumulatively the above figures represent a net increase of 9907 in arrivals on Gozo over 2006 or an upward 15.5 per cent surge, thus also registering an increase of 31,901 or 13 per cent more bednights spent in Gozitan hotels or guesthouses over the previous year.

It has to be noted that these figures only relate to hotels and guesthouses registered in Gozo and do not include the self-catering sector which includes the unique farmhouse product as well as self-catering apartments. This signifies that results for 2007 more than reflected the positive trend registered on a national level. It also meant that Gozo appeals to both the foreign and local tourist thus justifying the Association's belief that Gozo should be marketed as a distinct destination.

The Gozo Tourism Association believes that the past year's results augur well for better prospects in the tourism sector. Through the collaboration of all those concerned as well as good decisions taken at the right time, Gozo's unique potential can be better maximized for the benefit of this important industry on the island.