For the third consecutive year, the Ministry for Gozo has launched the ‘Easter in Gozo’ initiative entitled “Arti, Fidi u Tradizzjoni” (Art, Faith and Tradition). The programme runs over four weeks; it started on 28 February and ends on 27 March. This is another occasion for families to immerse themselves in tradition, since the programme is diverse, with different organized activities taking place all over Gozo. Activities include musical concerts, traditional religious processions, exhibitions featuring statues and pageants with the participation of hundreds of volunteers. For the first time this year there will be a presentation of the Via Sagra around the renovated Cittadella, which is the perfect setting for such an activity. There will also be a family Easter party in Villa Rundle Gardens in Victoria. 

Each year, more activities organized to reach a wider audience and to ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy on the island. Tourism remains one of the main pillars of the Gozitan economy and the ministry want to make this experience richer and worthwhile for everyone who visits us. During 2015, Gozo exceeded the one million bed nights, which means a significant 14 per cent increase over 2014.  This is a result of the commitment made by the government to consider a strategy built on making tourism in Gozo a 12-month experience. This was possible with the collaboration of the stakeholders and economic agents in the field. The Ministry for Gozo has a strategy to ensure that tourism is varied and spans all months of the year and, in collaboration with various entities, works to set up and organise several activities. Some of the entities include the various directorates within the Ministry itself, the Diocese and parishes of Gozo, Gozo Channel, the local councils, arts and musical organizations, the GTA and the MTA, and the hundreds of volunteers who take part in such activities.

The focus on our religious heritage and culture is evident during Easter, and as the title of the programme suggests, this is in essence a way to celebrate local talent; volunteers who spend long hours conjuring up ideas and working to produce activities, paintings, and musical concerts which others can enjoy. Gozo has a good number of people who deliver on their artistic and creative minds. The Ministry supports such initiatives.

There will be several artistic exhibitions, such as Anima by Manuel Farrugia (18 March to 3 April) in the renovated Banca Giuratale; the exhibition of a Spiritual Perspective (2-31 March) at The Hagar Museum; and an Artistic Exhibition in Ghasri (18-27 March).   Musical activities include a concert of Sacred Music at the Rotunda Xewkija on 12 March and the Holy Week Concert at St Francis Church on 13 March. The Hagar Museum will also showcase the Earthenware and Coins of Salvation History, the Joseph Baruch silver collection from Israel (20-30 March). There are a good number of processions and pageants in the diverse villages, which can all be found on the visitgozo.com website.

Farmhouses are a typical Gozitan tourist product and many old houses, which would have become derelict buildings, have over the years been transformed into picturesque farmhouses, which, while retaining the real old-fashioned feel have also been able to accommodate the needs of modern society.  Such buildings tend to be on the outskirts of villages. Another concept which has recently been launched, this time in the very core of villages is that of boutique hotels. These offer a friendly atmosphere which fits well with village centres, while ensuring that our villages retain their cultural surroundings and also that houses around the square are renovated.  Together with the increase in restaurants and bars in the main village squares, this creates a lively atmosphere and brings back economic activity to villages. This is what one aspect of modern tourism is looking for, the real deal of living the local life, the authentic experience. Two boutique hotels are already operating in Nadur and Xewkija. Work is ongoing on two more in Ghajnsielem and Sannat.  These four new hotels will increase accommodation in Gozo by 47. The Ministry for Gozo continues to support innovation and entrepreneurship that create jobs in Gozo and which make the best use of the island’s resources.

Gozo has just been awarded the Quality Coast Gold Award, which attests to its commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism. We are very proud that our efforts in sustaining this industry while retaining our natural assets have led to this achievement.   

All these efforts are showing that the economy is growing, employment is increasing and businesses are confident for their future prospects. The latest regional data for Gozo on the gross domestic product sees a growth of 7.3 per cent during 2014, compared to 4.9 per cent for Malta. Growth occurred in almost all sectors of the economy. Full-time employment increased by 770 from 2013 to September 2015, while a further 451 part-time jobs were also created. This creation of productive jobs shows an economy that is picking up well, as official NSO figures indicate. This is sustained by the results of a qualitative survey organized by the Gozo Tourism Association and presented at the recent annual general meeting. The feedback from the business community is positive and heartening. During 2015 Malta grew by a phenomenal 6.3 per cent in real terms and this has impacted on the good results we have seen in Gozo as well. All this gives us the incentive to continue the good work to make Gozo a better place to live in for everyone. To do this, we must continue to create the right business environment for people to invest and create jobs.

We hope you visit Gozo this Easter. 

 

Dr Refalo is Minister for Gozo