Budget 2013 satisfies Gozo Tourism Association

The Gozo Tourism Association welcomed the proposals for Gozo as announced during the presentation of Budget 2013 yesterday evening in parliament.

The GTA said that the measures to increase by another €1,000,000 the Malta Tourism Authority financial allocation extending it to €37,000,000, together with the €40,000,000 allocated for the restructuring of Air Malta, were positive measures.

Gozo as a distinct destination is highlighted by the €500,000 allocation for the third consecutive yearto the Directorate of Tourism and Economic Development for the marketing of Gozo as a distinct tourist destination.

"This budget is also acknowledging several  proposals put forward by the Gozo Tourism Association, including, the implementation of the Diving Master Plan and a new licencing regime for the Gozitan self catering units, intended  to provide more incentives for quality standards and investment in the self catering sector," GTA said,

Furthermore the sum of €200,000 is being allocated for a scheme intended to offer reduced rates by Gozo Channel during the winter months to entice domestic tourism.

 Other measures in this budget, include infrastructural works that will enhance the Gozitan touristic product. These include the completion of the Zewwieqa Water Front, the Cittadella restoration, the Xlendi and Marsalforn Waterfronts as well as the reconstruction of the Marsalforn breakwater.

The Gozitan touristic sector will also benefit from several schemes announced in this budget like the High Energy User Scheme, the extension for another two years of the Micro invest scheme and the 15% capital investment aid in the form of tax credit for licensed Hotels.

"This is a realisitic and objective budget that is acknowledging Gozo's needs, whilst addressing them with specific measures," CEO Joe Muscat said.