Tourism in Gozo 'being ignored'

The government was ignoring tourism in Gozo, Labour's spokesman for tourism, Evarist Bartolo, said in a statement yesterday.

"The problems for tourism in Gozo are continuing to grow and adversely hit the thousands of Gozitan families whose livelihood depends on tourism. Instead of solving problems, the government is letting them grow as though nothing is happening," he said.

Mr Bartolo quoted Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi saying that the Cabinet would be concentrating on promoting tourism, but facts were showing the contrary.

Among the issues that Mr Bartolo said were being ignored, he listed the pending dispute over the baggage trolleys on the Gozo Channel ferries, which was creating problems for tourists; the transportation of waste from Gozo to Malta that created a stink on the vessels, which passengers were travelling on; neglected and chaotic works at the Mgarr port; and the future of air transport between Malta and Gozo in view of the stopping of helicopter flights in the coming weeks.

The lack of commitment and action on the part of the ministers and Dr Gonzi was increasing tourism problems in Gozo, which was already undergoing difficulties. It was increasing the sense of uncertainty and worry, Mr Bartolo argued.