The news that the Malta Environment and Planning Authority granted the necessary permits for a cruise liner mooring point off Xlendi must be music to the ears for the Gozo Tourism Association.
The government has stated its intention to make Gozo a tourism destination in its own right. The links to Gozo have improved dramatically in past years with vast improvements to the Gozo Channel terminals, quays and the service itself – especially on the Gozo side. However, as fantastic as the new facilities are, Cirkewwa is still a shambles as the project to upgrade the terminal ground to a halt – pending approval for co-financing from the European Union.
The air link to Gozo also finally resumed after the helicopter service had stopped, replaced with a float plane service. These facilities make Gozo much more accessible, but there still remains the problem of seasonality. If the weather is bad, then tourists cannot make it over to Gozo. This might not be such a problem during high season, but once the shoulder months come around – it becomes an affecting factor.
All this said, Gozo cannot be a separate tourist destination to Malta unless it has its own access points. Merits of an air terminal in Gozo will not be discussed in this editorial as that is an argument in itself.
The new berthing facilities will allow cruise ships to visit Gozo directly. Different cruise companies cater for different travellers and perhaps those with an older target market might deem Gozo to be a more suitable destination than Malta. The offshore berthing system works well, for example at Ville Franche on the French Riviera. Passengers are taken to shore by tender and then have the day to explore or go on guided tours. This could possibly be another source of income as the relevant authorities could seek to launch water taxi services to the various beauty spots around the island that are only accessible by sea. Water taxis could also serve Malta if needs be, if some passengers decide that they want to see the larger island.
Whatever the case may be, Gozo will surely stand to benefit from this move and the authorities should be urged to place more mooring points around the island. The authorities have already said that there are plans to build a quay off the main harbour and this is also good news.
The whole cruise line strategy needs to be implemented as quickly as possible – both with the development of Marsamxett Harbour, the conversion of berths in Cottonera and extension of facilities in the Grand Harbour.
As it stands, air travel is getting more and more expensive and the cruise liner market is growing exponentially – despite fears that the industry would be hit from a duty free aspect in the run up to joining the EU. Malta has proved itself to be a viable, strategic and popular destination for cruise liners and we really need to capitalise on this market and stay on top of the situation.
Specific to Gozo, however, the authorities must also ensure that the public transport infrastructure is upgraded significantly. It is a small island, but visitors will still need the necessary links to get from one site to another. The authorities must not be short sighted on this issue – although tours are offered, not everyone is keen on them and some people like to explore places under their own steam. One hopes that next summer, Gozo will be fully equipped to deal with its new visitors – the island stands to gain a lot if it gets its act together. One thing though – let's not over do it and have cruise ships visible from every point on the island.