The craft sector in Gozo is a fragile industry subject to a number of negative factors.

The Craft Village at Ta’ Dbiegi, Għarb, has more than its fair share of these issues that make it increasingly difficult for the genuine artisans to survive.

The lack of control on the imported products offered by some hut owners causes the genuine craft makers to lose business through unfair competition.

If this area is to be regarded as an artisan centre promoted by government as an attraction in the tourist sector, then only people visibly making crafts should be allowed to work there. It is very misleading to the visitor when many cheap imported items are presented as being locally made.

The second major issue is access to the tourist buses. Two hut owners have opened a shop in close vicinity to the Craft Village with the obvious intention of directly competing and diverting trade away. The bus drivers are now stopping at this shop instead of at the crafts village. I wonder why!

One has to accept that, in a free society, people can chose where they operate their businesses but this area is supposed to be a craft centre. At my studio, Gozo Glass Limited, we only sell items made here by local craftsmen.

This should be a model for the other businesses and immediate action is needed to address the issues mentioned.

We were promised action by the site owners MIP and by Malta Enterprise but sadly, little has been done.

We appreciate the measures taken to improve the appearance of the site but what is needed is strict control over the traders and retailers misusing the village.

Much needs to done to allow us to continue as craftsmen; a fair access to the tourist trade would help!