“Building sustainable tourism needs open dialogue and cooperation among all branches of national, regional and local government, and the engagement of all stakeholders – including the private sector and civil society.” – Ban Ki-moon
The tourism industry in Gozo is well-established and is still gathering momentum. Our product is diversified and multi-faceted, putting Gozo on the local and international platform as it caters for thousands of new and repeat visitors. We can proudly say that we have created a distinct Gozitan brand of high calibre that is attracting even more business and is creating a considerable number of jobs.
This was my line of thought last Tuesday when I delivered my closing speech at the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Gozo Tourism Association (GTA). It was a pleasure to mingle with pioneers of the Gozitan tourism industry and with well-established and emergent entrepreneurs who have, over the years, made a name for themselves both locally and abroad.
GTA’S 2Oth Anniversary
Founded in 1999, the GTA is celebrating 20 years of hard-fought and hard-earned successes. In this short span of time, it has become an authority. Its members are well-seasoned entrepreneurs who have gathered rich experiences on all inter-related issues concerning this vital and dynamic industry. In the first two years at the helm of the Gozo Ministry, regular consultations with the GTA have led to many feasible solutions and administrative measures which –together with other actions and decisions – have placed Gozo’s particular needs high on the national agenda.
Since my very first years in politics, I have found the GTA a reliable source of useful data and hands-on advice in my quest to strengthen the tourism industry in Gozo. The Association’s continuous support has been beneficial for our tiny and unique island and the expertise and experience of its members has proved to be invaluable. Their constant monitoring and remedial and innovative proposals have been key in my political commitment to upgrade and enhance such a vital service industry.
The deep sense of responsibility shown by the GTA officials is commendable. Rather than stopping short and looking upon the tourist industry as merely a profit-making enterprise, they see the wider picture and strive to work on what is necessary for Gozo’s regional economy. This altruistic and holistic approach is proof of their great sense of active-citizenship and is of invaluable assistance to planners and decision-makers alike.
The multiplier effect
We are well aware that the hospitality sector in Gozo is not only a matter of interest for entrepreneurs, but is so widespread that it permeates and affects the livelihood of hundreds of families. It spreads its multiplier effect on agriculture, fishing, animal husbandry, arts and crafts and a wide variety of other manufacturing enterprises that produce goods and provide services linked both directly and indirectly to tourism.
Seen from this angle, one can appreciate the individual and collective efforts of all stake-holders in this industry. After all, uniting as one front for the benefit of Gozo and its people is the main aim of our joint efforts.
The GTA’s vast experience shows us that tourism is not only hotels, bars and restaurants. It includes a wide range of activities that are closely knit and inter-dependent and form our final and all-inclusive product. It is therefore imperative that all services and supplies are in place and top-notch throughout. Anything short of this can be harmful to the end-product in an industry that is highly volatile, particularly in the Mediterranean region where competition is harsh and unforgiving. Tourists are discerning and can easily switch loyalties if given more attractive options.
Public and private
Public and private investments therefore, should move in sync and complement each other. This necessitates continuous consultation and planning in order to secure holistic success. We need to increase our impetus to cooperate further and avoid resorting to cosmetic arrangements. My Ministry finds considerable support from the private sector when planning and implementing infrastructural projects – including necessary work that has been either totally ignored or shelved for decades.
Adhering to timeframes and budgets is of the utmost importance, but inconveniences and setbacks are inevitable. Our efforts to upgrade the island’s infrastructure cannot be put on hold. Work must continue, irrespective of our jam-packed calendar of cultural events. Gozo has fast become an all-year-round destination. What we used to consider as high and low seasons are steadily disappearing and therefore the upgrading of our infrastructure as quickly and efficiently as possible takes precedence over other issues that occur from time to time.
In this scenario the Gozo Regional Development Authority will certainly be of great help and I feel proud to have successfully pushed forward the relative law for Parliament’s approval in the past 12 months. Here again, the GTA has been a strong supporter of this project.
Vital statistics
Statistical data show that tourism is contributing nearly 50 per cent of Gozo’s Gross Domestic Product and that 30 per cent of jobs in the private sector can be attributed to the tourism industry. This is equivalent to 20 per cent of the total workforce – a very important portion of our human resources are working in the catering and accommodation industry and ancillary sectors.
It is also to note that the present workforce is now heavily dependent on foreign workers because of a shortage of well-trained locals. In order to attract more Gozitan students we are pressuring ITS into providing more courses on the Gozo campus and have sponsored a specific university course for the benefit of the tourist industry.
Included in my Ministry’s initiatives are a comprehensive road-building project, the ongoing regeneration Mgarr Harbour and village squares such as Xewkija, St Francis Square and Sannat and, more importantly, the provision of full support at international marketing campaigns that promote Gozo as a distinct destination. This initiative is being implemented in tandem with the Malta Tourism Authority and with the full participation of the GTA.
I am also actively involved in international and regional forums in countries that are our direct competitors in the European and Mediterranean region. In fact, I have recently attended meetings in Capri and this week I have participated in a similar event in Poland.
The connectivity challenge
Connectivity remains high on the Labour Government’s agenda and the past months have been tangible proof of our commitment to this goal. The addition of a fourth ferry to the Gozo Channel fleet has given us the expected success, but will not stop us from planning and implementing additional measures to further improve our link to the mainland. A scheduled helicopter service and the tunnel project are two measures that are being actively planned and discussed this very minute.
I will never resort to the old saying: ‘Rome was not built in a day’: no length of time can ever solve our challenges on its own. I am confident that, through hard work and determination and with the support of all stakeholders, we will reach our targeted goals in the shortest time possible. I have full trust in the GTA’s understanding and cooperation. Long years of hands-on experience and foresight are credentials that make this Association an important and indispensable asset.
Our joint commitment
Twenty years of history have given the GTA its deserved stature. In recent years its representatives have taken their rightful place on various national platforms such as the MTA, GRC, MEUSAC, ITS and MCESD. Furthermore, each year, the Government takes on board more and more of the budget proposals put forward by this entity. The GTA has truly come into its own.
Gozo’s success did not happen on its own – we made it happen and we are committed to sustain it by working harder, hand-in-hand, striving for a hospitable, idyllic and attractive that we are all proud to call our homeland – Għawdex djamant!