Half of Gozo’s gross domestic product is derived from tourism, with one in five Gozitans working in the industry, Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis said.
Speaking during the Gozo Tourism Awards ceremony, the minister said that, between January and November 2015, there had been an increase in the number of visitors to Malta’s sister island over the previous year.
The number of vehicles making the crossing also increased by 4.6 per cent between January and September 2015.
However, there were many challenges yet to be faced, such as the tourism sector’s seasonality, Dr Zammit Lewis continued. He underscored the importance of having more activities held during the winter months as well as greater exposure of the local crafts and gastronomy.
Another major challenge revolved around the lack of trained workers ready to work in the tourism sector.
The government, he said, was committed to addressing the problem by investing €56 million in a new Institute of Tourism Studies which will not only fulfil the demands of the industry but serve as a centre of excellence within the Mediterranean.
Gozo should not be Malta’s annexe, Dr Zammit Lewis said, but should be a unique and distinct destination.
The tourism sector’s success depended on a multitude of factors, namely the product, accessibility, an effective marketing strategy and a strong web and social media presence.
Christmas this year turned out to be a record month for Gozo, with various restaurants reporting a thriving business both during the festive days as well as throughout other days.
Gozo Minister Anton Refalo said that he believed the island deserved particular attention. Initiatives which were helping the touristic product included the extensive restoration of the Citadel bastions as well as the protection of the Marsalforn and Ħondoq bays as beaches of quality.
Eighteen cruise liners carrying nearly 9,600 passengers called last year, he continued. The film By the Sea showcased Gozo’s beauty, with many critics remarking that “Gozo was the real star”, Dr Refalo said.