Updated: PL questions decision declaring Gozo a tourism zone

The Labour Party said today that it hoped that the government's decision to classify the whole of Gozo as a tourism zone would not mean that shop owners would be required to pay the higher tariffs applicable for tourist zones, even if they decided not to extend their opening hours.

The PL said the government's decision to declare Gozo a tourism zone was not a planned measure to create jobs, but a reaction to complaints by some businesses after action was taken over their current opening hours.

The PL also said that the announcement of the setting up of a new office to help businesses, NGOs and local councils to access EU funds was a blow to Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono.

The new office would be under the responsibility of Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said, the PL said, Yet, in July 3 last year, Mrs Debono said she was opening an office within her ministry, doing precisely the same thing.

In a reaction, the PN said that even in initiatives which would create work and boost jobs, the PL had opted to be partisan and divisive.

It said that instead of working with the government for Gozo to make a leap of quality, the PL was trying to hinder and sow doubts.

The PN said Gozo faced challenges posed by its insularity and the economic situation and the government was trying to make it more attractive for tourists and investors.

The initiatives announced by the Prime Minister would enable the island to make better use of EU funds, while it would enable businesses to better target tourism.