The Gozo Tourism Association (GTA) wants the government to develop new regional plan and policies specifically designed for Gozo, "to preserve it as an island of villages within a modern world."

The association has published its pre-budget proposals for 2025.

One of the main topics that the association targeted its proposals for regards connectivity.

Among other things, It is calling on the government to build a new fourth ferry, identical to the existing ones to replace the Nikolaus.

It also calls on the government to retain, improve and sustain the fast ferry service, which it said can also assist in attracting to Gozo other niche tourists. The GTA wants the government to commence the development of the Airfield for the fixed wing airlink between Gozo and Malta.

Among other things, the association is also proposing the introduction of an integrated SMART ticketing system, which would allow persons to commute on different transport modes with a single common ticket (Fast ferry service, Gozo Channel Service and Malta Transport Service).

The GTA also issued proposals regarding the environment. It said that the environment and the natural characteristics of Gozo "are the primary propositions in the touristic offer of our little island. Apart from presenting an organised, clean and well-maintained destination, the upkeep and the protection of our environment signifies and ensures that Gozo will be an island where islanders live, work and prosper within a strong thriving, healthy community."

The association highlights that the Malta Tourism Strategy 2021-2030 states that the Island should continue building on the distinctiveness of Gozo, "focusing more exclusively on Gozo's unique selling propositions and embracing the principles of climate friendly tourism. Even the Gozo Regional Development Authority in its Strategy for 2021-2030, published recently, has included as one of its priority areas sustainable tourism, based on niche and quality tourism. However, more needs to be done to effectively state that tourism in Gozo is able to move forward in line with the above mentioned policies. The Gozitan tourism sector is continuously expressing its concern about the direction destination Gozo is to be continue marketed and promoted."

The association wants government to develop new regional plan and policies specifically designed for Gozo, to preserve it as an island of villages within a modern world.

It is also calling for the retention of existing incentives on sale and purchase of properties in Urban Conservation Areas, "where the purchaser signs a guarantee to restore the property without subdivision." Another proposal is for the extension of incentives in all vernacular and post-war properties, including UCA, where a buyer undertakes to preserve the integrity of the property, respecting and not exceeding the surrounding traditional village heights.

The GTA is also proposing the introduction of a fiscal incentive scheme to encourage the restoration and conversion of existing traditional properties and bring them back to life as residential homes, boutique hotels.

It is also proposing that a marine reserve around the Gozitan coast be established and ensure its enforcement, applying the model of the Cirkewwa marine reserve.

Among the proposals made by the GTA to improve the tourism product, it is proposing that the VAT applicable for admission to shows, theatres, fairs, amusement parks, concerts, museums, cinemas, exhibitions and similar cultural events and facilities should be reduced from 18% to 7%.

It is also calling for the implementation Master Plans for Marsalforn and Xlendi in full.

The GTA is also proposing that the government develop an underground multilevel parking space in Victoria to alleviate the lack of parking spaces and lessen traffic going around the capital looking for parking space.

The authority is also urging the competent authorities to amend the summer construction break time directive. "GTA propose that excavation and demolition works be prohibited within a 50-meter radius of any Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) licensed premises. This directive should extend across the entirety of Gozo, rather than being confined to a select few streets."

The GTA has also put forward proposals with regard to human capital.

It suggests the introduction of a grant scheme for local students who opt to work during the weekends or their holidays in Gozitan tourism establishments. It also proposes that courses be organised targeting foreign employees to learn the basics of the Maltese and English Language, as well the history, culture and basic legal regulations of the Maltese Island.

It also suggests the introduction of National Insurance contribution credit for the winter months "in order to encourage retention of employees during off-peak months."

The association also wants the ITS Gozo Campus developed into a specialised vocational tourism institution that caters not only for Gozitans but also for Maltese and foreign students who opt to follow specific courses.

It also said that it wants the government to "ensure that the public sector is no longer in competition with the private sector for the recruitment of employees by offering favourable and unmatchable working conditions. The touristic private sector is to be encouraged to introduce flexible working hours offering favourable conditions and incentives for career progression within the tourism sector."