GRTU Malta Chamber for SMEs considers a permanent link between Malta and Gozo as imperative to revitalise and regenerate Gozo in both economic and social terms. GRTU is a strong believer that Gozo is in need of a holistic strategy and for Gozo to reach the position we have for so long been aspiring for, we cannot simply expect things to start moving on their own. GRTU contends that a permanent link is essential and the first necessary step for other improvements to take place.  

Gozo's challenges have been flagged time and time again. Its double insularity renders a clear negative handicap for foreign direct investment whereby investors have countless reasons why to be reluctant towards stationing business on the sister island. The economic and social setting continues to develop the need for the tunnel link if the ailing Gozitan economy is to be given the necessary long-term injection it has come to desperately need. 

The new dynamics of the tourism industry with increased yet shorter visits effects patterns of travel towards Gozo. Shorter stays result in travellers finding commuting as an added challenge to including Gozo as part of their trip. This is not only felt by tourism but particularly by Gozitans themselves in downtime wasted commuting to and from Malta for business purposes. Maltese business operators as well as intra-tourism also experience the same situation. The current commuting system has served its purpose well but the needs required to boost the Gozitan economy cannot rely on a channel which is practically open ten minutes every hour.

Demographic developments over the past years imply that Gozo continues to become an ageing population with more of its younger generation travelling daily or relocating to Malta for education and employment. Given the various elements, business activity in Gozo continues to decline as Gozitan business loses motivation to expand and renovate creating a circular problem wherein demand reduces and supply, in turn, finds it harder to continue investing. This will eventually dilute and not preserve the product. 

Following a detailed overview of the feasibility study on a tunnel between the two islands given by Prof Gordon Cordina to the GRTU Executive Council, it was clearly outlined that a tunnel would be both economical and financially feasible. The study also confirmed that maintaining the status quo would cost our economy much more in terms of cost, potential investment generated in Gozo and job creation. 

Due consideration still  has to be taken in relation to possible environmental impact and therefore GRTU calls for such studies to be undertaken with immediate effect to be in a position to move towards prioritising this long-term capital project.

Sticking to the mentality that Gozo is to remain unlinked in order to preserve it is something of the past which continues to alienate the island, weakening it in various ways. GRTU remains in favour of stronger accessibility to Gozo in all sense.