Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono said Gozo had achieved the status of a distinct destination complementing the national tourism industry.

Through coordination with the Economic Development Division of the Tourism Directorate the Gozo ministry was now in a better position to promote Gozo as a distinct destination.

The enhanced synergy between the ministry and business operators, as embodied in the Gozo Tourism Association, had brought expressions of commiment to the island’s competitive edge in various specific niches.

Up to 75 per cent of accommodation in Gozo was in farmhouses and self-catering apartments, and these would be benefitting from the projected assistance for hotel restructuring.

The summer diving season had effectively been extended into the autumn, with 79 per cent of divers spending between nine and 14 nights and 99.3 per cent of them saying they would recommend the island for both seasoned divers and beginners.

The minister said the island had received a bronze award for the quality and cleanliness of its sea following sewage treatment.