Gozo is an idyllic setting for a summer break. Breathtaking scenery, wonderful weather, sun-drenched beaches, crystal clear waters for swimming and scuba diving coupled with fantastic local hospitality, culture and food. This is precisely why my family and I came to Xlendi on holiday this summer.

It was, in fact, our third trip to the island. We had a wonderful stay not in the least due to the friendly demeanour of the local people and their polite and welcoming nature. Tourism is fundamental to their local economy and livelihoods. In the prevailing economic climate logic would dictate that greater efforts need to be made to support tourism. A lasting impression from Xlendi was that in the most part the local population was making every effort to do so. We were highly impressed by the standard of our accommodation (Villa Xemxija, Xlendi) and the service, courtesy and hospitality provided by the owners.

However, unfortunately, the same is not true when it comes to the ADT and the construction industry. I would have expected consistency from all quarters supporting local tourism and not deterring visitors.

As an example, I was issued a parking ticket in Xlendi square for contravening a white line. I make no excuses for the parking contravention but was astounded and disappointed by the fact that mine was the only car with a ticket when there were a number of other vehicles parked in exactly the same position, both before I parked and after I left.

On closer inspection it was apparent that my car was the only K-plated vehicle among those allegedly illegally parked. Forgive me, but this smacks of targeted ticketing for hire cars and presumed tourists to the island.

The ticket was issued by the ADT but was neither dated nor signed, I presume to avoid individual detection.

If I had a greater sense of paranoia I would interpret this as not being welcome and distinctly being taken advantage of as not being in a position to challenge such a fine. I would therefore appeal for a greater degree of consistency here or else your actions will literally drive tourism away. A second example is provided by the construction industry. I enclose a photo from Villa Xemxija taken this summer.

It shows ongoing building works erecting another storey on a block of apartments immediately in front of the apartments at Villa Xemxija and its swimming pool area.

The crane is almost completely blocking the road and I leave it to your imagination the noise this work caused. I am informed by the owner of Villa Xemxija that the lower part of the building has been standing for a number of years and no work was undertaken over the autumn or winter period.

The time chosen to undertake the work was towards the peak of the holiday season.

Logic dictates that, to support the local population working in the tourist industry, such construction work, if undertaken at all, be completed outside of the holiday season.

Was the action to build in the height of summer indeed to cause havoc, block roads and obscure views with maximum detrimental impact on people's livelihoods, or was there just no thought at all? Whatever the intention, I have no doubt that this action has, if not ruined, certainly severely affected the enjoyment of people's holidays.

Most importantly these images leave lasting memories and remain talking points long after the holiday is over. Furthermore, they will have a major impact as to whether one would return to the island or recommend it to others.

My plea would be for consistency and support for the local people in all their efforts to make tourism work. They are a major reason why we continue to come back to this beautiful island. The events I described above will now seriously make me think twice before I return.