GTA makes proposals

The Gozo Tourism Association (GTA), recently presented a memorandum to the Prime Minister and to Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech.

After listing the GTA's objectives and initiatives since it was set up in 1999, the memorandum makes a number of proposals.

It is suggesting that the Malta Tourism Authority's board include a representative of the Gozo tourism sector, to be appointed after consultation with the Gozo Minister and on the recommendation of the GTA. The associaton has also suggested the setting up of a Gozo Directorate at MTA.

Apart from the three main tourism fairs (World Travel Market, BIT and IBT) in which Gozo is being promoted, the GTA is also considering the possibility of participating in other fairs with the aim of maintaining contact with tour operators featuring Gozo and introducing the island to new ones.

It has also been suggested that participation in such fairs be given a new dimension by promoting Gozo's special attractions to travellers, including the island's history and heritage.

The memorandum also calls on the central government to carry out infrastructural works to enhance and expose Gozo to the niche markets. These include preserving the island's seas, creating artificial reefs for diving purposes, improving accessibility to popular diving sites, organising theme festivals and so on.

An independent market study by a professional firm has been proposed to advise how to project the Gozo product more attractively. It also proposes a strategic Gozo tourism three-year plan for 2004-7.

The GTA urges a decision on a golf course and a hotel-based casino in Gozo, and insists that Gozo be given its proper share of the cruise liner market.

The GTA makes various proposals to improve accessibility to Gozo, including cargo trips at night and extending the night ferry service, and coach transfers from the airport to Cirkewwa. Suggestions were also made with regard to updating the study of the MACC operation of the present airlink, upgrading the present means of air transport and enabling people to check-in at the heliport.

The association expressed concern that Gozitan hotels contribute the same annual fees as hotels in Malta when average occupancy in Gozo is 32-35 per cent, while that of hotels in Malta is 63-65 per cent.

It said that serious consideration and consultation need to be taken before more permits for accommodation are issued. A balance needs to be reached between further development and the maintenance of the island's character.

The GTA also made various suggestions regarding the embellishment of the island, including the upgrading of roads and pathways to secluded beaches, the introduction of adequate and attractive bins on beaches instead of outdated 44-gallon tanks, the upgrading and management of Ramla Bay as a Blue-Flagged beach, and the continuation of the beach watch programme.