The missing (air) link

Liam Kelly

Jul 31st 2008, 23:22

Do you define the 'few' as the 86% of us Maltese who are concerned about the environment Joseph?

I rather think you are the 'few' who dont regard it as an issue.

Joseph Attard

Jul 30th 2008, 23:43

I think is high time to improve Gozo's communication with the rest of the world.

The big misfortune of the island are the environmentalists who are hijacking the media. Gozo needs an air link otherwise the tourism industry risks doom. Those who state otherwise are just making out of the environment a political or personal issue to suit their ambitions or needs.

The Government should seek the common good and not that of the NGOs and the few.

James A. Tyrrell

Jul 29th 2008, 20:44

Some very good points are made here by Franco Farrugia, Liam Kelly and Emanuel Bajada in particular. Perhaps as a tourist who comes to Gozo every year I can make my own point to Joe Muscat.

To be honest Joe it scares me to think that as secretary of the Gozo Tourism Association you can come out with such a statement. As Liam Kelly states I as a tourist come to Gozo for peace, quiet and tranquillity. If the price for that is a 25-minute ferry crossing then so be it. I used the helicopter service when it was operating and if it were there again I would continue to use it. I can tell you right now that I will never use a fixed wing service to travel to Gozo.

It amazes me when authorities like Mepa back proposals for things, which destroy the environment on Gozo. But I'm even more amazed when the likes of the GTA who should be promoting tourism on the island come out in favour of something, which will actually harm tourism.

Listen to your own people Joe and listen to tourists, Gozo does not and never will need an airstrip.

emanuel bajada

Jul 29th 2008, 15:06

The GTA Secretary would better tackle the issue of the construction works ongoing in Xlendi and Marsalforn destroying the holiday of hundreds of holidaymakers in both resorts. What is the use of wooing holiday makers to the island offering first class air link service to find constrution rogues waking them at 6 in the morning with all type of excavation, shattering noise from construction machienery and shouting. If Mr Muscat wants his association to be credible he should explain why Xlendi and Marsalforn had since last year lost the status of a touristic area for construction purposes bar 5 streets in each location. He should tell us what the association has done to have competent authority reinstate this status for this 2 important tourist resorts. Glad to know this have been corrected since the 7th instant for which I would like to thank Mr. David Apap area manager MTA and also Parliamentary Sec. Hon Chris Said for their efforts for having the relevant authority correctiing this anomaly. Now it is up to competent enforcement authorities to see that this new legislation is adhered too. Our visitor's holiday is destroyed by construction works not becauese there is no air link !!!!

M. galea

Jul 29th 2008, 13:30

We have the GTA reacting again where it suits the books of some of its businessman-members.
"The future of the tourism industry on Gozo relies on the availability of an air strip"
Oh come on....
Instigate a general cleanup of the island.
Look at the illegal dumping sites over archeological remains at Ta' Lmbert - Xewkija so near the heliport.
Look at the welcoming concrete monster at Dwejra.
Look at the attitude of some bars, shops and restaurant owners ready to rip off tourists (yes they need to make a living)
Look at the nonexistent public transport system on the island!
Look at the behavior of taxi drivers down at the harbor as soon as they spot a tourist coming down from the ferry.
Look at the shabbiness around the Gozo countryside including the filt around the hiostoric salt pants.
If the GTA is not pro-active in such basic areas, how could they be trusted in overlooking the building of an airstrip?
I wonder sometimes why neither the GTA or the Business Chamber never applaud AD's proposal of sea-links (catamaran, sea-plans) directly from Gozo to other parts of the Mediterranean.
Perhaps they are afraid that Giovanna will fire them?

Roy Perry

Jul 29th 2008, 12:34

I wish to thank Mr Muscat for supporting the idea of an airstrip in Gozo. There seems little point if the major hotels in Gozo improve their standard of accommodation and facilities if the discerning visitor is excluded from a fast and convenient transfer by air. I invite Joe to contact me on 27016277 to attend a meeting on Saturday morning - August 2nd. See also http://gozoairstrip.blogspot.com

Liam Kelly

Jul 29th 2008, 11:36

You must be deluded if you think that building a airstrip constitutes a 'balanaced' development on a tiny island!

However, since you've also said that the future of your tourism industry relies on an airstrip, you won't be needing the ferry service anymore then will you? We'll just take that away in order to pay for your air strip....then you'll realise what a ridiculous statement that was im sure.

Its particularly worrying that since you work in the tourism industry yourself, you have yet to figure out the rationale of tourists comming to Gozo....peace and quiet, tranquility, greenery and to get away from life....How does an airstrip fit into that raison d'etre?

That IS your market because it is what makes Gozo so NATURALLY beautiful, any destination can copy another destination, but the price of this is that it takes away what made it attractive in the first place.

Franco Farrugia

Jul 29th 2008, 10:48

Go on, Gozitans! Destroy the tiny island, the only environmentally-sound area we have in the Maltese islands.
An air strip will destroy Gozo as we know it now. Think of the land that it will necessary eat up; think about the noise of the aircraft, that same that we hear in the Gudja/Luqa areas. Think of the building amenities which will have to mushroom!!!
Perhaps Mr Muscat can elucidate on what 'oter opportunities the island needs to enhance its primary tourism industry'.
I think the Government should be committed to the sparing of Gozo of the same downward development that has destroyed the mainland!
I don't personally believe that 'the future of the tourism industry on Gozo relies on the availability of an airs strip.'
How can Mr Muscat speak about an air strip which is 'well situated' and 'blending with the Gozitan countryside'? We are speaking about two opposite things - airstrip and countryside. God and the Devil. Right, and wrong. Black and White. Plus and minus.

Kapixx?

Alfred Grech

Jul 29th 2008, 09:01

I'm in full agreement with Joe Muscat. It's about time the government considers Gozo as an excellent destination for Maltese and tourists alike. It's a gem that needs to be promoted and made easy to access.

Gozo is unique and beautiful and its people are warm, friendly and accomodating.