Focusing on Gozo tourism

Mr Evarist Bartolo has tried to paint a bleak picture of tourism in Gozo, almost sounding the death-knell in what he titled "SOS Gozo tourism" (The Sunday Times, May 29). I will hint at Government's investment in this regard and consequently, point out inaccuracies in sweeping statements that admit complete unawareness of reality on Gozo.

Tourism is Gozo's main economic pillar and for this reason, Government is investing heavily in upgrading the island's product. It is understood that Gozo stands to gain more by specialising in niche-tourism, such as that related to diving, culture and its countryside. Efforts are being concentrated towards enhancing these sectors - which are already here - and which could further contribute towards establishing a separate and unique destination for the island.

If one is to take the development of these niche areas separately, one will notice that the Ministry has already garnered EU funds, running into €1.4 million, for the development of diving as an industry. A recompression chamber will be set up in Gozo primarily to assist divers who encounter difficulties while practising this sport. A vessel will be sunk off the coast of Gozo to add another artificial dive site and therefore supplement the already wonderful natural dive sites dotting our coast. A plan highlighting needs and potentials for diving sites around the island will be drawn up for subsequent initiatives to be carried out in the years to come on the basis of a general plan.

As for the cultural tourism product, in particular that related to our heritage, we will note that again, the Gozo Ministry is addressing another share of EU funds in this area. The priceless prehistoric artefacts, unearthed from the Gozo Stone Circle in the early 1990s, will be put on permanent display for the first time at the Museum of Archaeology in Gozo through the acquisition of state-of-the-art showcases that guarantee security and preservation. The same museum will undergo modernisation and preservation work, thanks to Heritage Malta, as will the unique Ggantija Temples in Xaghra.

The potential of country walks as an enhanced experience for visitors to Gozo has been tried and tested over the years. A number of established routes have been identified, with printed guides available to all, and have been in circulation for more than three years. Another two routes were published recently and will be launched in the coming weeks.

Yet, Government's endeavours in the tourism sphere are not solely related to what I have briefly described above. Development in other areas also has ripple effects on the tourism product we offer. Projects in the pipeline include the reconstruction of the Victoria-San Lawrenz road which leads to Ta' Dbiegi crafts village and Dwejra (both are targeted areas for projects), and the road leading to Mgarr Harbour. Almost €8 million will be invested in massive roads development programmes that the island has never witnessed yet!

Ta' Dbiegi crafts village will be upgraded thanks to investment by Malta Enterprise, and the Dwejra area will be turned into a heritage park thanks to Nature Trust (Malta) and additional EU funds. The waste water treatment plant project has direct effects on the quality of sea water around the island - another investment of over €7 million. The closure of Il-Qortin, with the direct effect on Xaghra and the tourist areas of Marsalforn and Ramla, will also enhance 'product Gozo' for the benefit of locals and tourists alike. Although not as laudable and perhaps taken for granted too, daily cleaning works on land and regular ones under the sea are carried out, again, to improve the island's tourism product.

If we are to turn our attention to the quality of service being offered, yes, Government and the industry agree that staff needs to be better trained to offer a service of better quality, and it is for this reason that the Ministry will be investing €1.3 million, partially from the EU's Structural Funds for Gozo, to set up a tourism-training facility in Qala.

The parallel rail to move forward an industry such as tourism is the key element of marketing, which Mr Bartolo has not referred to. I must point out that, since the Ministry for Gozo set up the Gozo Tourism Association (GTA) in 1999, a number of Gozo-specific marketing initiatives have been carried out. I must also refer to the press trips to Malta, organised by the Malta Tourism Authority, which always include specific visits to Gozo. However, I believe that more needs to be done in this regard, and in fact, more will be done with the restructuring of the MTA to incorporate Government's view on the tourism distinctiveness of Gozo.

Other unsupported claims made by Mr Bartolo are better ignored. I trust readers to judge for themselves.

Marion Zammit is communications co-ordinator at the Gozo Ministry.