The Gozo Tourism Association Budget 2020 proposals

1. The re-introduction of the interisland helicopter service which should offer the check-in facility at the Gozo Heliport to outbound passengers via the Malta International Airport.

2. The Association is proposing to government to build at least a 450m airstrip that can accommodate the landing and take-off of a 20-seater fixed wing aircraft.

3. The GTA is proposing a change in the ferry fare structure with the introduction of a seasonal ticketing regime by Gozo Channel.

4. The GTA is also proposing an integrated ticketing system for Gozo Channel commuters. The full potential of such a product can also be exploited by a move to use “smart” ticketing.

5. GTA is proposing again the introduction of a Ferry Guaranteed/Prebooked boarding, a scheme intended to facilitate tourists connecting with incoming and outgoing flights, thus saving on lost overnights in Gozitan accommodation.

6. The fourth ferry should become a permanent addition to the present Gozo Channel fleet. In this regard GTA is proposing government to provide redundancy in addition to the three existing ferries, by commissioning another ferry identical to the three present ferries to operate all year round to meet heavy demands being experienced throughout the year.

7. The setting up of a shuttle service between MIA and Cirkewwa preferably operated by Malta Public Transport even with the involvement of other stakeholders.

8. The necessary infrastructural investment in a cruise berthing buoy off Xlendi Bay, as a replacement to the existing one, and a new buoy off Mgarr Harbour in order to offer alternative berthing facilities around the west and south coast of Gozo. 9. Proposes to government to fast forward the amendments to the Tourism Act as soon as possible and preferably by the end of this summer season, in order to provide a level playing field in the accommodation sector.

10. Amendment to the present accommodation VAT rate applicable to units operating from Gozo as follows: November to March to 3% and April to October to 7%.

11. The VAT rate for other tourismrelated services offered for Gozo like restaurants, diving and transport should be reduced from 18% to 10%.

12. As per EU Directive 2001/112/EC Article 98.1 & 98.2, the VAT applicable for admission to shows, theatres, fairs, amusement parks, concerts, museums, cinemas, exhibitions and similar cultural events and facilities should be 7%.

13. An accelerated depreciation on tourism accommodation upgrading and refurbishment including product development and operational infrastructure as well as energy generation/efficiency to cater for replacement every 5 to 7 years.

14. The commissioning by government of a Carry Capacity Assessment Study for Gozo’s Tourism, with particular focus on accommodation supply and other tourism services in Gozo for the next 20 years.

15. That all types of accommodation units with a swimming-pool and which are covered by an operating license issued by the MTA, will be exempted from the 15% increase.

16. Small conferences sponsored and/or organised annually by government are to be held in Gozo.

17. Public Private Partnership project should be piloted and taken in hand by government for the development of a centralised, well-equipped conference centre on Gozo. 18. Set up a one-stop-shop unit with whom DMCs can co-ordinate the organisation of conferences in Gozo. 19. Incentivise those DMCs who hold conferences in Gozo through specific measures covering transport, logistics and use of government properties.

20. The GTA is proposing that a scheme is set up for Gozitan tourism operators or NGOs who come up with projects intended to upgrade or create facilities catering for niche touristic markets.

21. The establishment of a joint unit operating from Gozo co-ordinated by the Ministry for Gozo to enforce and manage the established marine protected areas in and around Gozo in order to protect and enhance marine life around the Gozitan coast.

22. The drafting of a Rural Tourism Policy and incorporating the agritourism segment.

23. A tailor-made Tourism Investment Support Scheme to entice local entrepreneurs to upgrade their Gozitan tourist establishments. Such scheme can be financed and piloted by the Ministry for Gozo and in collaboration with the Ministry for Tourism, together with the active participation of the GTA.

24. The updating and the implementation of the Diving Master Plan by the Ministry for Gozo which was carried out through EU co-financing way back in 2006.

25. The upkeep on regular basis of the rural roads leading to self-catering accommodation for easier access, especially during winter time.

26. The Intervention Team set up by the Ministry for Gozo in 2017 should include under its remit ownership, maintenance and management of several tourist areas.

27. The development of sports facilities including a water park and a theme park and an athletics’ track and training camp facilities that can be incorporated in Ta’ Xhajma Race Track.

28. The setting up of the Cittadella Foundation with the participation of the various stakeholders for the management of this most visited touristic site.

29. Training schemes during the winter months aimed at improving knowledge and skills in the tourism industry, including training in soft skills and languages, while encouraging retention of employees during off-peak months, sustained through grants coupled with employer and employee full NI credit.

30. Scheme targeted towards new employees with MQF 5 level and upwards residing in Gozo and working in micro touristic units, subject to credits on employers and employee NI for a period of three years.

31. A scheme that encourages employees and owners already in the tourism sector to obtain Post graduate certification, Post graduate diploma and Master of Science in Hospitality Management.

32. Develop the ITS Gozo Campus into a specialised vocational tourism institution that caters not only for Gozitans but also for Maltese and foreign students who opt to follow specific courses.

33. A graduate scheme whereby tourist establishments when employing graduates would be eligible to 50% off their respective wages.

34. The NSO office in Gozo should have an allocation of funds for Gozo Specific Statistics including tourism and commuting patterns together with data on the labour force in the various sectors of the tourism industry. This data should include tourism-related statistics even accommodation in the self-catering sector, together with other relevant data that constitutes the whole Gozitan tourism product.