Tourists staying in Xlendi are cutting their holidays short and leaving because of the disturbance caused by excavation works in the heart of the tourist resort, the Gozo Tourism Associaton said today.

It said that despite a ban on heavy construction works in tourist areas in summer, and complaints to the authorities, excavation works were still being carried out in the heart of Xlendi.

"Consequently, tourists staying in the neighbouring accommodation units are leaving their respective accommodation and abruptly terminating their holiday."

The association urged the authorities to enforce the Summer Break Time directive, in order to cut the nuisance and inconveniences to tourists and accommodation owners.