Gozo is weathering the storm of Covid-19. Despite its circumstances of double insularity, and a considerable level of dependency on the hospitality sector, Gozo is showing its resiliency.
The Government has worked to safeguard families and business in Malta and Gozo tirelessly. Various schemes, direct aid and incentives were introduced, and all this help has proved to be vital.
This resiliency is not only known to the Maltese and Gozitan population, it has also caught the eye of important institutions further afield. Just a short while ago, the European Commission published its economic outlook for Malta in which it foresaw economic growth of 4.6% this year and 6.1% next year. These percentages are well above the EU average.
These show that there is a huge level of faith and positivity around our country. Surely there is a lot about Gozo too.
Statistics issued by Jobsplus last October showed that there were 13,932 full-time workers in Gozo. This is a record. It is an increase of 800 people when compared to the same month in 2019, and was achieved despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
Gozo has 190 people registering for work. The decrease in the unemployment rate for Gozo is by far better than Malta’s, whose unemployment rate is down by less than a quarter of the rate of Gozo.
Considering the fact that right on our doorstep, in other EU countries, the reality is by far the opposite, one can understand better how the decisions taken by the Government have been exactly what the industry needed, albeit one has to recognise that some businesses are still in need of more attention.
Without a shred of doubt, a sector which was severely impacted by the pandemic was hospitality and tourism. Health measures meant that restaurants, bars, and cafes had to close. In recent days, restaurants and kiosks were given the green light to reopen daily until 5pm with a greater relaxation of measures not too far away.
The announcement of the relaxation of restrictions meant that these businesses could plan ahead. Businesses now know when they can operate and the new conditions which will apply this summer.
The issuing of the second round of the Government’s €100 vouchers will help in kickstarting the season, giving people an incentive to spend. Considering the impact that vouchers had on Gozo last year, the prospects are extremely positive.
As a matter of fact, data compiled by the Ministry for the Economy indicates that 67% of all revenue for restaurants and outlets in Gozo was from redeemed vouchers, as against 26% in Malta. Last year’s round of vouchers had an implied multiplier effect of 2.5% in Gozo, as against less than 2% in Malta.
Between July and September of 2020, 19,000 Maltese choose to spend their vacation holidays in Gozo, an increase of 4,000 people when compared to the same months in 2019.
On top of all this, we are working hard to attract new investment to the island. The second fibre optic cable between the islands will certainly prove important. It will make Gozo a suitable option for where to do business.
Communication is very important. That is why we have also worked to increase accessibility between the two islands, not only through the studies being conducted on the feasibility of a permanent link, but also the fast ferry service between the Grand Harbour and Gozo.
We will not slow the pace. We will continue to work hard for a better Gozo.
Clint Camilleri is the Minister for Gozo