A new tourism niche is in the mind of the ministry for Gozo, which is aiming to attract elderly residents for a Gozo home.

The embryonic plan was announced by the ministry after an agreement with the Gozo diocese under which the Curia in Gozo will provide the use of Dar San Guzepp in Ghajnsielem at a low market rent while the ministry would take over its administration as a home for the elderly.

The diocese will provide all the religious services that are necessary or requested by the home’s residents, including celebrating two Masses daily, pastoral exercises according to the time of the year, and functions on feast days. A priest is to be present 10 hours a day all year round.

On its part the Gozo ministry will restructure, embellish and expand the home, creating facilities and recreation opportunities for the elderly.

The home will have 70 rooms and 140 beds, laid out spaciously and with views of Fort Chambrai, the Xatt l-Ahmar, Comino, the Gozo channel, Malta and the countryside. It may also accommodate foreign elderly persons “of quality” who may become a new tourism niche for Gozo, the ministry said. Preliminary discussions with foreign interests have already been held.