At the end of this month, the Malta Labour Party's general conference will meet to discuss the party's plan for the future named "New Beginning".

Among the various documents put forward for approval is the document about tourism, including the plans for Gozo. Most of the proposals are not new and have been proposed time and again but others are innovative and challenging.

This is a positive move by Labour - tourism in Gozo has been showing signs of decline over the last few years and the situation is not promising. The sector has been affected by several factors which, added up, have left a very negative impact on the Gozo economy.

Tourism in Gozo is a seasonal affair and we have to admit that it will remain so whatever it is that attracts more tourists and Maltese visitors during the lean winter months. This is because transport between the two islands always depends on the weather.

The idea of an independent tourism authority for Gozo with its own budget is interesting and makes more sense. It is only through the establishment of such an authority that adequate funds will be channelled to market Gozo as a destination in its own right. Many tourists claim that had they known about Gozo before, they would have stayed there throughout their entire holiday, not just for a couple of days as part of their Malta package.

The plan stresses the importance of taking concrete measures to improve the Gozo product, provide a better service and better the island's infrastructure.

The idea to include Gozo in the cruise liner industry has already been mentioned by Government in the last Budget. The concept may yield direct benefits to Gozitans. Discussions need to be started with the operators to explore how cruise liners can be brought to the island. The first hurdle will be Gozo Channel's monopoly.

The plan calls for improvement in sea and air transport between the islands. The helicopter service must be subsidised as far as EU rules permit. Past experience has shown that the current helicopter link is not viable.

The document did not clearly say that a fixed-wing link would be considered but mentions "other means of air transport". Labour has so far opposed the development of an airstrip in Gozo. On the other hand, Dr Anton Refalo, the party's Gozo spokesman, was quoted as saying that he personally favours a fixed-wing link.

The Gozo Tourism Association is enthusiastically encouraging the government to seriously consider this option. Environmentalists will oppose such a development but others will weigh the environmental aspect against the economic one and try to come up with a solution least harmful to the environment.

Labour is also in favour of a golf course in Gozo but does not indicate where it could be sited. This is another controversial environmental issue and there will be opposition to it. Gozo should be considered a higher quality destination for tourists than Malta.

Gozo does not have as many alternative means to create wealth and employment as Malta, therefore tourism is the backbone of its economy.

Tourism to Gozo should be developed and planned on the concept of sustainability. Tourism in general is dictated by changing trends.

What worked 20 years ago will not do today. Things will need to be changed in a few years' time. Any development should be reversible, especially in a small island like Gozo where resources are limited and the social fabric and ecosystem are very vulnerable.

The distinguishing features of Gozo and Gozitans should be preserved. The island's peace, tranquillity and natural beauty are its main characteristics - and they could easily be destroyed. The historical, cultural and architectural heritage should be safeguarded, restored and re-animated. Unfortunately, this great heritage is not being appreciated enough.

Gozo has a lot to offer; it is a jewel which needs protection. Sustainable development and tourism cannot be separated from each other. They should be developed hand in hand and true sustainability maintained to meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations.

On the whole, this is a very promising plan for Gozo. One hopes that when the time comes, it will not remain on paper, but it will be implemented from A to Z.