Last week I had the opportunity to visit Gozo and I must say I was pleasantly surprised by what I saw. Gozo is naturally beautiful but with the embellishment that is going on, it will certainly top the list of favourite tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. Besides having so much to offer, our sister island is an example of how European Union funds should be used.

Gozo is a hive of activity at the moment. Roads are being rebuilt and resurfaced, street furniture being installed and the whole island is being given a general upgrade. But the most positive thing I saw was that in the midst of all this there was little or no disruption. Inevitably with the closure of some roads there are some deviations but these are clearly marked to cause as little hassle as possible.

The general upgrade does not stop there. With the aid of the EU co-financed projects, the Ministry for Gozo has started to concentrate on the employability of Gozitans in Gozo and to enhance the workforce’s opportunities by organising specific courses that cater to the needs of the island. The training institute for the tourism industry in Gozo will enable those Gozitans that want to work in the tourism sector to train and work without the need to travel to Malta daily. This is the better quality of life that we constantly talk about and these opportunities will ultimately mean a better service to the thousands of tourists and Maltese who visit Gozo yearly.

Many of us who visit Gozo have the misconception that Gozo is just about Xlendi, Marsalforn and Ta’ Pinu whereas the reality is absolutely different. The historical sites and places of interest are abundant and thanks to the incessant work of the proactive Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, European Union funds have once again been secured to extend the Centre for Arts and Crafts, and for the Gozo Museum of Archaeology display among others. EEA funds have also been used for the Ċittadella master plan where the archaeological value of this walled city was thoroughly studied and a conservation and restoration plan was put to action. With more than 20 sites that can be considered as world heritage and that are in constant need of attention, repair and conservation, this was the first step and it has definitely left a good impact. With an area of only 67 square kilometres, the size of the island may be deceiving at first, but year after year the number of tourists has been increasing and it is therefore clear that Gozo has much more than the sun and sea to offer those who visit.

One cannot write about Gozo and its ambitious plans without mentioning Eco-Gozo. This action plan which kicked off last year aims to make Gozo an eco-island by 2020. This is undoubtedly an ambitious project that will improve the standard of living of those living there.

The project, which is divided into several phases, aims to reduce emissions and waste, to introduce alternative and cleaner energy while keeping in mind the importance of sustainable development. At the same time Eco-Gozo will also aim to conserve the Gozitan way of life, its traditions and to enhance the capabilities and the potential of Gozitans. As stated, the focus will be on real progress rather than economic advancement. Thus, while noting the importance of growing economically, a lot of attention will be given to inclusivity, health and protection of the environment. I am sure Eco-Gozo will be a project that will be a blueprint for other Mediterranean islands to copy.

The Nationalist Party has always believed in the potential of Gozo and of the Gozitans. Nationalist administrations were always aware that our sister island could not be considered as just another district but as a region with distinct needs. For this reason it was the Nationalist Administration unlike the Labour Party that felt the need for a Ministry for Gozo. The ministry has managed to cater more concisely for the needs of the Gozitans and the results are there for all to see. I am sure that once the ongoing projects are completed Gozo will be even more beautiful and attractive than it already is.

The author is a Nationalist member of the European Parliament.