Helping to put Gozo on the world tourism map
- Disneyland Paris competition for Melita Digital subscribers
- Rare species of bat discovered in World War II Shelters
- World Travel Awards honour Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz
- Kempinski Hotel host Nintendo Wii sports resort launch
- Mickey’s Magic Show competition for GO Plus TV customers
- Melita customers dreams come true in Paris
- Nature Trust welcomes IES initiative
- Licensed complex less than one third of Ramla site
- Vassallo claims first snooker title of the season in Gozo
- Kempinski Hotel celebrates 10th anniversary
- Another blight on Gozo’s landscape gets ODZ approval
- Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz wins prestigous award
- Complaints About Construction Works in Victoria
- Save Hondoq supports FAA on use of EU funds
- Mepa Replies to AD over Development in Gozo
We are a consortium of local business men who would like to help put Gozo, and indeed Malta, onto the world tourism map. We believe that under the current planning climate we should have no problem in achieving this.
Firstly, we intend to apply for a permit to turn Ggantija into a world-class theme park, the temple stones just lend themselves to being painted in bright fluorescent colours, which would also glow in the dark and act as a magnet for attracting tourists to the island. We propose building just one single slimline 100-storey hotel tower to preserve the remaining nearby countryside.
Secondly we are proposing a mega-size Splash and Fun Park in Hondoq Bay, this will preserve the bay as opposed to a Marina and the public will still have their normal access, although this will of course require an entry fee. Our resort hotel complex would be built on floating stilts around the perimeter of the bay, thus preserving the local countryside. As an added bonus anyone staying at our hotel would still have a view of Malta if they book a superior room.
Thirdly, at Ramla Bay, we propose a single low level development immediately adjacent to and along the beach, again local people will still have access to the remaining beach (on payment of a fee) and the rural hillside view will be preserved in its present state. Around the length of the development we propose a single-storey themed indoor/outdoor complex of bars, restaurants and entertainment venues. This complex would be built partially below ground-level with landscaping in order to lessen both its visual and audible impact on the surrounding area.
Fourthly, turning to the Ta’ Cenc area, we intend to apply for a permit to turn the area into a game reserve. This would serve two purposes, firstly it would prevent any further building in the area (other than our themed game reserve accommodation complex) and secondly any surplus game could be hunted and trapped (for a fee), thus alleviating the current hunting and trapping dilemma for the government.
Fifthly, we will be applying for a permit to hold motorcycle racing around the ancient centre of Victoria, we envisage something similar to the Isle of Man TT race. The local residents, shopkeepers and tourists visiting Victoria are already well used to two and four wheel motorcycles racing around the narrow streets and alleys throughout the day and night, so we don’t believe there would be any additional detrimental effects caused by our planned races.
Sixthly, at Dwerja we plan a world-class Marine Park Resort, the sea would be fenced off around the whole area and then stocked with exotic marine life, this again would serve two purposes. Firstly, as a world-class exotic diving venue and secondly any surplus marine life would also help to solve the hunting/trapping dilemma – again of course these facilities would be subject to a fee. We would also preserve the Azure Window as a grand entrance to a nautically themed resort hotel complex.
Last but not least, at Ta’ Pinu we intend to seek a permit for a Disney/Taj Mahal style shrine complex which would rival Lourdes. We would of course seek advice from the Church Authorities to ensure that the themed villa, restaurant and entertainment complex for visiting pilgrims would be perfectly in keeping with it’s surroundings and of course a percentage of any profits would be donated to the Church.
We also intend, with Disney’s permission as well as MEPA’s, to erect a giant statue of Mickey Mouse on the cliffs at Mgarr, this would also be brightly coloured and glow in the dark, to act as an emblematic beacon for tourists.
We are currently holding discussions with a view to having Mickey Mouse officially adopted as a mascot to represent both Gozo and Malta abroad, this will enable us to present an apt and unified image of our islands to the world tourism market.
We would like to invite suggestions from any other interested groups or individuals who may have similar ideas or plans to put forward.
GMMC – Gozo Mickey Mouse Consortium
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Some excellent ideas here which I have no doubt will sail through Mepa. I am however surprised that you have left out the drive through divorce court and abortion clinic, but no doubt these will be slipped in under the guise of a washroom or something!
hehehehehehehehe good one
I understand where you are coming from, but the proposals are not very imaginative
Don’t HeHeHe and chuckle too much because you do not know what might slip through MEPA at any time.
Who ever wrote this should have thought that this might give some unscrupulous contractor some ideas for a submission to MEPA, in hopes they make a mistake.
Prosit for this thought provoking letter.
It is though rather disturbing when you consider just how close it is to what has been happening and of course to what may yet happen to what is left of our islands.
John Edwards, I would be intrigued to hear your more imaginitive contribution.
Jonas is right. I will not chuckle. I will simply cast my vote.
Ah GMMC! I must point out, your proposal is simply too little too late. Old news, old ideas.
In the past two years alone, you’ll notice major changes have already been made at Ggantija ensuring payment for entry and illuminating activities to enhance those old stones. As for Dwerja, the Marine Park Resort Hotel has already been erected along lines that only Mickey Mouse could have devised. Given the current design, who needs more exotica?
Ta Pinu’s Lourdes-like development plan is already well underway, thanks to the efforts of the Curia which promised special spirituality. Similarly, plans reserving that space at Ta Cenc for overpriced (fun and) games were submitted to MEPA ages ago and assumptions are that, under the new regime, approval can’t be far away.
Finally, okay, the idea of replacing the stock cars racing at the bottom of the road up to Xaghra, with motorcycles racing around Victoria presents new details. The spirit, however, remains.
The only true change is also in a sense old again. Do we really want a fat kid like Mickey to be our beacon? Organic tourism should try to partner with the government in promoting a more sylph-like approach to Gozo.
Raymond Grech
The second part of my comment was ironic
Of course I agree with all the sentiments, we are already in danger of killing the ‘Golden Goose’
Thankyou for the clarification John.
As for the Golden Goose – I would say that if it’s not dead already it is certainly very close to dying…
Unfortunately your plans for Victoria may have to be put on hold. I understand that plans are already in place for it to be demolished and replaced by a climate controlled mall.
The displaced citizens would be rehoused in a tower block that is to be built on Comino. The Citadel will be incorporated into this scheme and will become the food court and rest rooms.
This whole project will of course relieve the parking issues in Victoria as park and ride scheme will be put in place and a Mono Rail Sky Train will be built to connect all the attractions on the Island.
The whole island would, of course, have to be enclosed in a giant tinted glass dome, with solar powered aircon. It really wouldn’t do to let all those tourists be exposed to natural sunlight and sea air, they might start legal action because of the ageing effects of normal life on their skin!
My name is Michael Mercieca and I live in Canada. My father is Gozotian, many of my aunts and uncles still live in and around Victoria.
In 2006, my wife and I and our two children took the long flight to Malta and Gozo to visit family. This was our first trip to Gozo and Malta. We were amazed by the history, natural beauty of the scenery and of course the people of Gozo and Malta.We are already planning a trip to Malta and Gozo again next year.
Malta and Gozo already have what it needs to be a tourist destination. The total cost of the trip was approximately $11,000.00!
If we wanted to attend water parks, grand hotels and Disney theme parks, we are only 200 miles from it (it would only cost a fraction of what we paid to travel to Malta). However, we chose the journey to Malta and Gozo because of what it already has, natural beauty and a proud history. If it was comprised of theme parks, hotels and marine parks, we would never dream of returning. Let Malta and Gozo continue to be individual in this already “theme park” destination world of tourism. How dull and boring!
Sometimes it is hard to appreciate what you already have, but the people of Gozo need to preserve it’s history. As for Mickey Mouse as the theme mascot for Gozo,what a disgrace to Malta, it’s people and history. Believe me, as a tourist, we are tired of Mickey Mouse and theme parks.
Preserve your heritage and don’t bend to pressure to be “americanised”, continue to focus on and promote Gozo and Malta as it is.
Gozo is a ‘Theme Park’ ………..
…. and the theme is beauty and originality
I strongly agree….Gozo and Malta’s theme is beauty and originality, as well as an amazing and proud history.
Canada is a beautiful country and I am proud to be Canadian, however, I am also proud to be a decendant of Gozo, which with the help of Mr. Joseph Borg, I was able to trace our family tree back to the year 1632.
I was so impressed with Gozo that my family and I are planning to return next year and have been dreaming of living in Gozo one day.
I fully agree with most comments, there is no place like Gozo..its the safest place on earth, comparing with the very UNSAFE Britain, Canada, Australia and last but not least the USA.,who wants to live in these unsafe countries, when we’ve got Gozo as a second Paradise, not even Malta compares with the Calypso Island, thats gone down the drain with all sorts of foreigners and what not.I thank God my family and I are SAFE here in Gozo. Why do you think everyone wants to come to Gozo for a bit of peace and no stress?
Things will change.
Gozo is nothing more than a product just as it is nothing more than an opportunity to customers and investors alike.
If they got the money to invest and to spend then Gozo will change.
I have already heard that EF opened a pilot student centre in Gozo. now next will be EC ESE and many other who don’t see the anything to be preserved but all to be exploited. And the gozitans will be with their hands open for a little bit of cash.
There need be a specific legal framework and holistic scheme pf development for the betterment of Gozo and after this law enforcement is essential.
Add another mad idea to the Mickey Mouse consortium package.
Only they would want to put a leisure complex next to Xlendi Tower.
This one is for real though.
Keep checking MEPA apps.
I wrote this 3 years ago – still appropriate?
F(L)IGHT OVER GOZO
I looked down on a jewel today
A glittering gem set in azure blue
A precious pearl beyond price
Villages and hamlets compact, retained
By fields and hills and plateaux
Majestic cliffs safe-guarding the Beloved Isle
But what if the attack comes from within
From undercover agents of
Power and Greed and Destruction
What then will be left for
Castrated cliffs to guard
A Magical Island made over to a
Mickey Mouse movie set
We have just returned from a fantastic weeks holiday in Gozo. All the descriptions above, are as we found the Island. Peacefull but plenty to do and see, friendly and safe. I could leave the farmhouse villa we rented feeling confident it would not be broken into while we were out. My wife and children could come and go as they pleased in the day or night time in safety.
So different to the story my Sons friend had to tell when they returned from their holiday the same week but on Mainland Spain. Their appartment broken into and all valuables stolen, the police not relly interested. Later on the same week they witnessed a woman having her handbag snatched in the main street.
I can only hope and pray you can keep your Island the wonderful place it is.
I really dont believe that Mickey should represent Gozo its not original and quite frankly kind of dumb. And why don’t you add more attractions to Comino water parks, hotels, etc.
My Name is Edward Grech I live in Melbourne Australia ,and my wife and I are going to Malta and Gozo in April 2009
I especially wanted to go to Gozo as it is the place of my birth, 73 years ago, I always wanted to go back there and I would like to see it not as a theme park as we have plenty of those down here. I was told Gozo is a peaceful place with its natural beauty, I want to see Gozo as it is.
Why destroy it?
As an annual visitor to these islands it was the uncommercialised aspect which atracted my Wife and myself.
To turn it into something that resembles Disneyland would be a fast track way of turning these beautiful islands into a hell hole. Mark my words that is exactly what will happen if this goes ahead. Crime and all that goes with it and a lower calibre of traveller will visit.
Overseas people who would like to settle there may well also decline.
Please,please keep it rustic and simple and it will remain a jewel in the Mediteranian crown.
I have been resident on Gozo only since July 2009.
I can, however, the following statement with confidence.
What brings people here, as tourists and residents, is the slow pace of life, quality, fresh local food, the rugged beauty, the people and their friendliness. The lack of theme parks, bland shopping malls, concrete monsters, cement cities and night clubs is precisely what makes Gozo so special.
The horrendous carbuncle of the Fort Chambray disaster, should serve as an eternal warning of what can go wrong when “tourist dollars” come before local culture, pride and history. It exists now only to prove how even the best of men can be corrupted by money. (If ever we needed such proof!) The Fort’s tenament development is an embarrasing eye sore and must rank as Gozo’s greatest ever architectural
disaster.
Just a few miles away, at Qawra and Buggiba, we can view fully how a once beautiful, rugged landscape has been ruined, as politicians, planners and councillors have all abandoned their principals and allowed their brains to become scrambled by the influence of rich people wanting to get richer.
We want Gozo….not Benidorm.
I’ve always believed that Gozo should concentrate on QUALITY rather than QUANTITY; Malta is ideal for mass tourism and Gozo is NOT!
The challenge is to attract LESS tourists to Gozo than Malta but with a HIGHER spend per capita; unfortunately we might well need our own nine hole golf course, for example, to attract the luxury end of the market; having a few impoverished ramblers spending an average of six euros per day isn’t exactly going to swell the coffers of the local economy, is it?
Thank ‘whoever’ that the proposed bridge linking Malta and Gozo seems to have died a natural death several decades ago; let’s hope the thought of a nice big juicy E.U. infrastructure grant doesn’t result in the bridge idea being resurrected.
The luxury end of the tourist market needs to be handled with huge tact; taking into consideration environmental issues and the impact on the whole population of the island.
We are VERY lucky in Gozo that so many nice Maltese like to come over here for festas and weekend breaks; one of Gozo’s strenghs is its ability to cater for needs of discerning tourists; it would be VERY sad if Gozo became an extension of Bugibba or Qawra……….. we may have come close once or twice, but Gozo still manages to maintain its inate and unique charm.