Helping to put Gozo on the world tourism map
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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.
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