I am surprised that despite his 20-year familiarity with Gozo, Munich city planner Peter Riedhamm (The Sunday Times, January 13) has only now discovered, that a Gozo Tourism Associa-tion (GTA) exist. What he doesn't seem to have discovered is that this association, headed by a chairman, with a general secretary and a 14-member council, is a non-governmental organisation (NGO), with no authority whatsoever.

The GTA was formed in February 1999, by stakeholders in the Gozo tourist industry. The two main objectives of this 155-member association are to promote Gozo as an all-year round distinct tourist destination, and to unite all those operating in the tourism industry on Gozo in dealing with all questions concerning and affecting the tourist industry.

For Mr Riedhamm's information, the association is run voluntarily by a council elected by GTA members. Members pay an annual subscription, but council members are not remunerated.

Also for his information, I am listing only some of the association's humble achievements during its nine-year existence:

• publication of the Gozo guide book Island of Myth and Miracles in English and Italian;

• publication of two editions of the Gozo Directory of Tourism Services;

• representing Gozo annually at the Malta stand at the World Travel Market (London), ITB (Berlin), BIT (Milan) and Destinations (London);

• scuttling of three vessels - Xlendi, Cominoland and Karwela - off ix-Xatt l-Aħmar;

• promoters of the following tourism projects co-financed by the EU - a recompression chamber; Niche Tourism - Diving master plan; hotel school in Qala and state-of-the-art showcases for the Archeological Museum;

• GTA members are participating in the Gozo Channel winter schemes to create business in Gozo throughout the winter season;

• promoters of the discounted contribution rates to all Gozitan tourist establishments.

In these nine years the GTA has gained respect, repute and recognition, as the single most valid representative of the tourist industry on Gozo.

In my Let's Gozo contribution under the heading 'The Missing Link', I was simply, but strongly, drawing the authorities' attention to the fact that the air link is vital for the sustainability of tourism on Gozo. The GTA assures Mr Riedhamm that it will leave no stone unturned until Gozo has an airstrip. Who knows, a city planner might be the right person to consult in this eventuality.

I need not dwell on the rest of his comments, since our competence and responsibility fall very short in their regard. However, may I assure him that the GTA is aware of our island's potential. We have been striving to enhance Gozo's tourism prospects, not for personal gain but for Gozo's benefit.