In the leader ‘Updated tourism model for Gozo’ (September 17), this newspaper discussed the decline in the collective accommodation sector in Gozo and urged for a soul-searching exercise.

As someone who has been a frequent visitor over the last 20 years, may I suggest that singling out the ills of the collective accommodation sector risks masking the real symptoms. The problem with tourism in Gozo is that the tourist product, the overall experience of the tourist, has been neglected and requires urgent action before it is too late.

The editorial gives the impression that the decline is solely in collective accommodation. While acknowledging the statistics on which the argument is built, I feel the decay in Gozo’s tourist product does not require statistics to be seen.

It is visible in the excessive and unregulated development and construction. The lack of enforcement of even the simplest pedestrian zone and the lack of action against catering establishments trapping tourists, especially during the peak season. It is visible in the ever-shrinking swimming zones, the decrease in overall law and order as well as the lack of real action on traffic management.

The economic development of a region requires vision and a balance between the various interests. At present, Gozo lacks both.

While the investment in the Citadel is a demonstration of vision, other components, such as the Marsalforn breakwater, the efforts for marine conservation, proper modal shifts in how people travel in Gozo and serious deterrents to those who break the law remain waiting.

The balance needs to be shifted away from greed and parochial interests. I am a true believer that Gozo has unique attributes that can form the basis of its long-term economic sustainability.

We need to acknowledge that tourism in Gozo is volatile and subject to competition like anything else.

Focusing on the general tourist product in Gozo requires a genuine commitment to Gozo’s long-term sustainable development and action before it is too late.