Better utilisation of resources discussed in Gozo tourism meeting

The Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Mario de Marco, has called for closer collaboration between the Malta Tourism Authority, the tourism secretariat and the Ministry for Gozo in order to maximise the utilisation of resources for the benefit of Gozo’s tourism industry.

Commenting at a meeting in Gozo with Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono, he emphasised the importance of the proper maintenance of beaches and country walk paths as well as the need for an efficient transport system, particularly when cruise liner mooring facilities are introduced.

The meeting discussed issues related to the sustainable development of Gozo’s tourism product.

The discussion focused on aspects such as the upkeep of beaches, rural areas, historical sites, niche markets, transport and traffic management.

The minister gave an overview of tourism related projects carried out through partial financing under the European Structural Fund Programme for Malta 2004-2006.

These included the building of a new facility for tourism studies in Gozo, the installation of a hyperbaric unit at Gozo General Hospital, the diving masterplan for Gozo and Comino, the scuttling of vessels for the creation of artificial dive sites as well as a masterplan for the conservation, preservation and management of the Citadel.

Those present, who also included Josef Formosa Gauci, CEO at the MTA, also discussed the integration of tourism with the eco-island concept.