Call for Gozo upkeep

Gozo is lacking in product upkeep despite being marketed as a tourism destination, according to the island's tourism association.

In a statement calling on the government to step up the island's upkeep for the "umpteenth time", the Gozo Tourism Association said tourist areas lacked organisation and maintenance at a time when they welcomed most visitors. Since Gozo was small, this was not difficult and only involved manpower and little financial input, or EU funds, the GTA said.

"The removal of disused trailers from our resorts, the placing of interpretation signs at the salt pans and the replacing of the oil tanks used as litter bins by modern ones on Gozo's 10 beaches do not require extraordinary efforts to be implemented," it said.

The association pointed out that developing and maintaining a product was key to increasing diversity, distinctiveness and appeal. "If Gozo is to keep on attracting more tourists and higher spending visitors, more has to be done in the upkeep and maintenance of the island's tourist product," it said.

"To improve the overall tourist offer and an authentic Gozitan experience, both central and local government should make a concentrated and united effort by systematically looking after and maintaining our tourist resorts and attractions not only in the summer months but throughout the year."

Among the projects criticised for being ill-timed and causing disruption in the peak season are the works on the road to Xlendi and in Marsalforn. Restaurants and other tourist establishments said they were negatively affected by the works in progress due to the inconvenience caused.

The proposed €120 million development of the pristine Ħondoq ir-Rummien into a tourist and residential complex in a disused quarry has also led to criticism from environmental NGOs, residents and the Church's Environment Commission.