Updated | Gozo Business Chamber, tourism association welcome budget measures

The Gozo Business Chamber has expressed satisfaction that government has taken on board the recommendation to seriously consider the option of a subsea tunnel between the two islands and has dedicated a substantial sum of money to be used for a technical and geological study for this project. 

"The GBC is confident that such a project will eventually bring the GDP of Gozo closer to that of Malta and thus, in turn, the whole country would benefit," the Chamber said in a statement.

The initiative of offering a fiscal incentive to those employing people on at least a three-year contract in Gozo was also welcomed, as was the proposal to set up a Gozo Museum.

"The GBC encourages government to continue to invest in the infrastructure of Gozo and especially to conclude as soon as possible on the Cruise Liner Terminal proposal and move forward on the setting up of a Green Airstrip," it said. "

The proposal to set up a new Gozo Museum is also a step in the right direction to enhance the attractiveness of Gozo in the cultural and tourism sectors."

The GBC also lauded the government's proposal to set up a National Development Bank and the various Malta Enterprise schemes that will boost SMEs.

"It is good to note that while government is continuing to invest in infrastructure and projects it is also targeting to reach a 1.6% deficit to GDP ratio by the end of this year."

Gozo tourism authority reacts

The Gozo Tourism Association, in a press statement, said that it believes that overall this is a balanced budget that reflects the economical growth environment in various sectors including the tourism industry.

The GTA however expressed concern about the introduction of an environmental tax, which would be collected from every tourist.

“Whilst acknowledging the impact of the tourist industry on the environment, the Gozo Tourism Association will be seeking further clarifications on this measure especially on the domestic market and on the already contracted rates for 2016.  

“Furthermore the GTA is expecting that the tax collected from bednights spent in Gozo should be aggregated in a special fund, proceeds of which will be specifically spent on the tourism product upgrade on Gozo.

The GTA welcomed the investment in studies on a tunnel to connect the islands, as well as impact studies on an airfield in Gozo. Further development of the yacht marina and cruise liner terminal, outlined in the budget, was met with approval.

“The Gozo Tourism Association positively notes the measures in this budget aimed towards the improvement of the touristic product. The building of public swimming pool,  the restoration of the water Aquaduct, the upgrading of St. Francis Square, as well as the rebuilding of rubble walls in the Gozitan countryside are all measures that enhance the island’s touristic offer,” it said.