Islands everywhere have similarities in terms of limited resources, concentration of economic activity, dependence on trade, lack of economies of scale, and more vulnerable to whatever happens beyond their shores more than bigger economies. For countries endowed with sun, sand and sea, these are generally reliant on traditional tourism. Gozo is also in this category where summer tourism plays a significant part in the general economy of the island. Although this is great news, it also causes issues of seasonality in the revenue tourism can generate.
However, we are working to diversify the very product that the island can offer. This is being accomplished by presenting Gozo as available and attractive all year round. Looking at some of the initiatives taken by other islands with weather much less generous than ours, we can still see the extent to which they go to market their attributes. For example, islands with icy and extreme natural environments, have ventured into what is referred to as cold water island tourism. This type of adventure is aimed for those who want to have different experiences.
This suggests that as long as we have the necessary dose of creativity we can market our island all year round.
Although most arrivals are registered during the summer months, and more people are realising that Gozo is at its most beautiful in winter when the countryside is breathtakingly green and fresh. It is the best time for hikers, country walks, photography, bike riding, trekking, and picnics on fresh grass in the country. We marketed this with initiatives that included reduced fares and Christmas-related events, and we attracted people that normally do not consider visiting Gozo during that particular period.
Gozo also has delightful walking zones along valleys which are being cleaned up and maintained well regularly by my Ministry. Walking paths across the island complement these. The list of opportunities that Gozo offers range from diving activities where divers can appreciate cleaner sea and less competing activities, to cultural events with weekends dedicated to opera (Il Barbiere di Siviglia on 22-24 April, Carmen at Aurora Opera House on 15 October, and Aida at Teatru Astra on 27 and 29 October). There are other activities in the cultural calendar for 2016, such as the Gaulitana Festival of Music (27 March to 24 April); the 19th edition of the Victoria International Arts Festival (8 June to 11 July); the Qala International Folk Festival (16-18 September); the Fjakkolata, a Festival of Lights at Santa Lucija on 9 October; and the 14th edition of Festival Mediterranea celebrating 7000 years of culture in Gozo (27 October to 19 November).
But the shoulder months of the winter are not only made up of Christmas. Over the years, Gozo has established a reputation for offering a unique Carnival experience. We have continued to work on this and this year we were able to offer a very attractive programme with a well-balanced mixture of organised and spontaneous events.
Spring offers different opportunities. The weather starts to warm up and one starts planning his or her summer holidays. Spring also brings in new colours and cultural activities, such as different Easter festivities, with the different processions and live pageants that the towns and villages offer: sometimes all the village seems to be taking part in the procession. The 2016 cultural calendar is offering Gozo Faith and Traditions between 13 and 27 March. But spring offers more than this. The various restored museums and the majestic and restored Cittadella provide new experiences. It is a visit you cannot forego next time you visit Gozo.
While the beach and cool water top the list of attractions in summer, these are not the only things offered by the island. The feasts have their own life and beauty. The shopping, boutique hotels, water sports, farmhouses, luxurious and welcoming hotels, tasty food in open-air restaurants, the nightlife and parties organized: take your pick. It is a lively atmosphere which can be enjoyed by all the family, surrounded by a plethora of light, colour and sound embodied in diverse activities around the island
The Ministry for Gozo has also worked to create new opportunities in niche areas. It has worked with various entities to support sport related activities. We plan to increase facilities and the proposed swimming pool will be added to these.
So whether you are the quiet pondering type, eager to curl up with a good book in a comfortable setting and being pampered by devoted staff, a trekker needing to experience nature, a culture fan wanting to inhale history and its goods, an intrepid adventure-seeking voyager, a religious devotee, a group of dedicated bikers, a gourmet, a senior citizen wanting to enjoy the laid-back life of the island, or a family wanting some quality time together, Gozo can offer something for everyone and in all seasons.
My government will continue to support all activities which encourage their enjoyment by locals and visitors alike. Gozo is an island that can offer diverse activities to different people, but best of all it offers peace of mind and security.
Dr Refalo is Minister for Gozo