Government’s policies regarding main issues related to the sustainable development of Gozo’s touristic product were discussed at a meeting held between the Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono and Dr. Mario Demarco, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism within the Office of the Prime Minister together with Mr Josef Formosa Gauci, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority. The meeting, held at the Ministry for Gozo, was intended to take stock of the situation on Gozo from administrative perspectives considering that the island undergoes a heavier influx of foreign and domestic tourists at this time of year.

Discussion focused on aspects such as the upkeep of beaches, rural areas, historical sites, niche markets, transport and traffic management. The Minister for Gozo gave an overview of the tourism related projects carried out through partial financing under the European Structural Fund Programme for Malta 2005-2007. These included the building of a new Facility for Tourism Studies, the installation of a hyperbaric unit at the Gozo General Hospital, the Niche Tourism Project for Gozo which included the Diving Masterplan for Gozo and Comino as well as the scuttling of various vessels for the creation of artificial dive sites, the procurement of museum showcases for the Museum of Archaeology in Gozo, which have permitted the permanent display of prehistoric artefacts found in Gozo, as well as a Masterplan for the conservation, preservation and management within the Citadel, which is co-financed through EEA Financial Mechanisms. All this links with other infrustructural projects which also directly or indirectly affect Gozo’s development as a tourist destination.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, the Hon. Mario Demarco, highlighted various issues where entities and departments within his Parliamentary Secretariat, amongst which the MTA, can collaborate with the Ministry for Gozo in order to ensure maximisation of resources for the benefit of Gozo’s tourism industry. Dr Demarco emphasised the importance of proper maintenance of beaches and country walk paths as well as the need for an efficient transport system, particularly when cruise liner mooring facilities will be introduced.

Those present were given a detailed presentation on the many aspects related with tourism which are also to be integrated within the eco-island concept. Primary sectors include environment, agriculture, transport, urban improvement, employment/investment, heritage as well as land use. Further consultation with other public and non-governmental entities and other constituted bodies will ensue, in order that the strategy to be adopted from now on will encompass the widest possible perspective of all stakeholders.