LETTER FROM THE GTA CHAIRMAN

Transcription

1 volume 4 LETTER FROM THE GTA CHAIRMAN Paul Scicluna Chairman Issue5 During the past years members of the operating within the selfcatering establishments section have been repeatedly reporting lack of business, year in year out. It is being argued that one of the main reasons affecting this trend is the unfair competition which exists in this sector. The competition being encountered is mainly emerging from the number of beds in farmhouses and self-catering apartments that are not licensed to operate by the Malta Tourism Authority. This situation was never and is still not acceptable to the Gozo Tourism Association. To this end, the council has been regularly engaged in discussions both with Government Ministers as well as with officials at the Malta Tourism Authority. However the notes with satisfaction that the Malta Tourism Authority is giving due attention to this issue and the is fully aware that the Authority already took a stand and is taking action accordingly in order to rope in the unlicensed properties operating on Gozo. The keeps on insisting that this issue should be tackled once and for all, and a practical and just solution should be sought. In this regard the Gozo Tourism Association believes that a revision of the license fees can bring about a more level playing field for all Gozitan operators in this sector, which encompasses 75% of the total licensed bed stock available on Gozo. Consequently, after the aforementioned meeting, the consulted its members coming from the self catering section and on their behalf, the GTA presented to MTA a number of proposals concerning the self catering on Gozo. These proposals are based and worked out, keeping in mind the ever present high seasonality element, that negatively affects the Gozitan self-catering sector throughout the year. It is worth mentioning that the license fee covers twelve whole months, while effectively the self catering establishments operate less than three whole months throughout the year. Furthermore, although the implementation of this proposed license fees structure, is not cost neutral, GTA is confident that such proposals will put in place a level playing field for all operators in this sector of the Gozitan tourism industry. 4, Ta Mliet Court, Gorg Borg Olivier Street, Victoria, Gozo, VCT 2519, Malta Tel/Fax: Website: gtagozo@onvol.net GTA Official Bankers

2 Editorial CEO, Mr Joe Muscat On various occasions the Gozo Tourism Association on behalf of its members coming from its seven sectors referred to the major road network construction works and other infrastructural projects being carried out on Gozo. These works are being carried out on the main road linking Mgarr harbour to Victoria as well as the road leading to the Village of San Lawrenz, the Zewwieqa Water Front and the Cittadella restoration. Whilst acknowledging and commending the importance of upgrading the touristic product on Gozo including the road network and our tourist resorts and attractions, the is very much concerned that these works created and are creating a lot of inconviences not only to all Gozitans, but to the visitors both foreign and locals to the Island. These concern also stems from the fact that the Gozitan businesses both touristic and retail are reporting loss of business due to these construction works. To this end the is proposing that Government waives off the 2012 licenses fees of all the Gozitan Tourist establishments, and if same fees are already paid, such payments are to be allocated in settlement of the 2013 licence fees. Furthermore the is suggesting that a specific marketing campaign for the domestic market is launched to recoup the losses incurred in the domestic sector. These will be measures of goodwill, which reflects that Government understands the hardship that the Gozitan tourist establishments suffered and are still suffering due to infrastructal works and road works leading to Gozo and on Gozo during The always upheld that access is the way to success, and not only access to come to Gozo but also access on the Island itself. The traffic management and traffic flow on these roads left much to be desired. Furthermore the traffic deviations were very precarious to the domestic and foreign tourists especially those in the Maltese language only and are leaving a bad image on the island of Gozo. In this regard, the called on the Ministries responsible and involved in these road works and other projects to co-ordinate and manage better and efficiently this situation. The Gozo Tourism Association also insisted that the set time frames should be adhered to. The appealed to all concerned to keep in mind that the tourism industry on Gozo cannot afford to have a chaotic road network on this small island. 2

3 Following the approval by Parliament of Act No IV of 2012, which amends the Act, whereby the MCESD was set up and the subsequent publication of Legal Notice 209 of 2012, detailing the procedures for the setting up of the Gozo Regional Committee (GRC), a meeting was held on 9 th July, 2012 during which the GRC was formally constituted. The bill which subsequently became Act No IV was submitted and piloted through Parliament by Dr. Chris Said, Minister for Justice, Dialogue and the Family, and was given unanimous approval by the House on 2 nd May, The Gozo Regional Committee is composed of 17 delegates (and their substitutes), which were nominated by the following organisations: The (2 delegates), The Gozo Business Chamber (2 delegates), the Local Council Gozo Region (3 delegates), The Gozo Section of GWU (1 delegate), The Gozo Section of the CMTU (1 delegate), the Gozo Section of the UHM (1 delegate), the Gozo Section of the GRTU (1 delegate), the Gozo Diocese (1 delegate), the Ministry for Gozo (1 delegate), the GUG (1 delegate), and the Gozo NGO s Association (3 delegates). During the meeting of the 9 th July, 2012, the delegates present, elected Mr. Michael Grech, current President of the Gozo Business Chamber (GBC) to serve as the first President of the Gozo Regional Committee. In addition to this new post, Mr. Grech will also become a member (ex-ufficio) of the MCESD. Mr. Joe Muscat of the Gozo Tourism Association (GTA) was elected to serve as Vice-President and substitute of Mr. Grech on the MCESD. The, as one of the founder members of the Gozo Regional Committee welcomes this new development, since it is a very important and positive step towards more comprehensive Gozitan representation, in a very important forum like the MCESD. This inclusion within the MCESD will be the cohesive Gozitan voice, since the Gozo Regional Committee encompasses the Gozitan constituted bodies namely the and the Gozo Business Chamber, and representatives of the Gozitan workers from the Trade Unions, as well as representatives from the civil society coming from the local councils, the Gozitan NGOS, and the local church. Furthermore the believes that the GRC representatives will bring forth to the MCESD discussion table the regional, social and economic concerns in a unified approach. Gozo s Representation on MCESD 3

4 Tourist Arrivals Tourists Arrivals Total tourists Malta & Gozo 1,290,855 1,182,489 1,336,390 1,411,748 One night stays on Gozo 7,150 6,400 7,780 8,450 More than one night on Gozo 100,450 68,900 94, ,800 Total overnighting on Gozo 107,600 75, , ,250 % of total tourists in Malta 8.6% 6.3% 7.6% 7.9% Day Visitors to Gozo Total tourists Malta & Gozo 1,290,855 1,182,489 1,336,390 1,411,748 Total tourists Gozo 778, , , ,150 Day visitors to Gozo 671, , , ,900 % of total arrivals 52% 51% 52% 51% Total Visitors to Gozo Day Visits 86.2% 88.2% 87.2% 86.5% Overnight 13.8% 11.8% 12.8% 13.5% Gozo Channel Passenger Crossings Total Passenger Crossings 3,941,736 3,792,041 4,031,480 4,124,93 Gozo day visitiors 1,557,400 1,381,000 1,601,400 1,668,300 Total overnighting on Gozo 215, , , ,500 Domestic Tourists in Hotels 67,348 64,450 79,818 74,296 Total Tourists crossing 1,839,948 1,596,050 1,881,918 1,967,096 Tourists % of total Passenger Crossings 46.6% 42% 46.6% 47.6% 4

5 The and Gozo Business Chamber recently issued a joint Media Release with regards to the closure of George Borg Olivier Street in Mellieħa for all vehicles alighting the Gozo Channel ferries at Ċirkewwa and both Gozitan entities expressed their members disappointment at the fact, that once again the Local Council of Mellieħa has ordered that the closure of the road leading from Għadira Bay to Mellieħa at the roundabout of The Sea Bank Hotel to anyone trying to access it, except for residents of Mellieħa. This arrangement will be a repeat of the congestions previously experienced, whereby the traffic flow coming from Gozo will congest in this area and the average trip for the Gozitans and tourists will increase by another 20 to 30 extra minutes. These congestions will definitely pay their toll on those tourists and Gozitans alike, who will consequently miss their flights and other important appointments that they have in Malta. Furthermore it will be practically impossible for an ambulance to enter the area should an accident happen on that road. Both the Gozo Business Chamber and the called for common sense to prevail and urged the authorities to intervene to stop immediately this traffic arrangement especially in the thick of the summer season. On the other hand both the Business Chamber and the Tourism Association believes that alternative arrangements are possible, which will alleviate the traffic flow until the construction of the Mellieħa by pass is finished. Both entities suggested that the limited parking slots up in George Borg Olivier Street, Mellieħa are removed in order to avoid traffic congestions in this bottle neck. Another solution could be that the south bound traffic from Ċirkewwa will pass through George Borg Olivier Street, while the north bound traffic to Ċirkewwa will pass through the single carriage way on the newly-rebuilt bypass. Furthermore both the Gozo Business Chamber and the regretted the fact that none of them were consulted about these traffic arrangements. Mellieħa Traffic Diversions 5

6 Value Gozo Very often a domestic holiday break on Gozo is being tainted as a holiday becoming increasingly more expensive as time goes by. Unfortunately several tend to simply jump on the band wagon of this current perception that visiting Gozo is more expensive than visiting an overseas destination. The, representing the majority of the Gozitan catering and accommodation establishments, believes that in general all Gozitan tourist establishments are always guided by the principle of value for money. The current renting charges on Gozo, for a normal three bedroom farmhouse with a pool, range from 70 to 150 daily (that is from to 25 per person daily for a group of six people). These rates differ from each other according to the property location, the standard, as well as the various amenities and services available in the respective properties. At this point it is pertinent to add that cheaper rates are also available, however these accordingly reflect lower standards and services offered. Destination Gozo is therefore offering a wide range of accommodation services throughout the Island that can meet the respective guests expectations both in quality and service, whilst suiting all pockets. According to our knowledge these do not greatly differ from similar services offered abroad. On the other hand, the introduction of low cost carriers to Malta has been described by this association as a double-edged knife. Albeit these low cost carriers had a paramount effect towards the increase in tourist arrivals to the Maltese islands, they are also proving to be equally attractive for the domestic market to opt for overseas destinations for holiday breaks. Therefore the package offer at face value between a break on Gozo and a break overseas is mainly influenced by the means of access to the respective destination, and not by the pricing adopted by the Gozitan accommodation services providers. In this matter, the Gozitan tourist industry, which is so dependent on the domestic market, stands at a disadvantage and thus mitigating measures should be put in place so as to create a level playing field. The same argument also applies to restaurants on the smaller island. On Gozo one can find a selection of restaurants catering for all types of clientele. From amongst one hundred and seventy five eateries, one can find a list ranging from top class restaurants down to snack bars, all offering an assortment of varied menus which are all reasonably priced reflecting the respective category in which they are served. Through a simple internet search one may confirm that prices charged by restaurants in similar categories on the mainland and the sister island do not actually differ. Gozo is to be promoted as a value for money destination offering quality services rather than a low cost destination Unfortunately this is yet another occasion where destination Gozo has been wrongly reputed as an expensive destination within the local media. Seeing that this eventually results in the wrong message being sent out both within the domestic as well as the foreign market, it falls squarely upon us Gozitans to defy this perception. We never tire to advocate that it stands upon the Gozitan tourism industry to respect the Gozitan product at all times by giving promised services at reasonable and fair prices. In today s cut throat competition, the Gozitan tourism sector should focus on the concept of value for money, since all customers to all destinations, are becoming more value conscious. Adherance to this concept is one of the alternatives that helps to mitigate the perception that Gozo is more expensive when compared to other destinations. All Gozitan stakeholders should work together in order to keep branding Gozo as a valuefor-money destination, especially within the present global economic scenario. The Gozitan tourism sector can reap better results if the Island of Gozo is promoted as a value-formoney destination offering quality services rather than as a low-cost destination. 6

7 The welcomes the re-branding of the National Carrier and congratulates Air Malta Chairman and Board of Directors as well as the management team for the airline s new image. The is pleased to note that, apart from conveying a fresh look with vivacious attractive colours, and displaying the diversity of the country s name very prominently, the new Air Malta planes livery, is also promoting the Maltese Archipelago, through its new Motto the airline of the Maltese Islands. Thus it is also endorsing the fact that Malta is not only an island, but a group of islands and therefore it is creating awareness and inquisitiveness about the other islands, namely Gozo and Comino. The believes that the national Airline is the lifeline of our tourism industry, and as a destination carrier plays a fundamental role toward the accessibility of the Maltese Islands. In this regards, GTA augurs that Air Malta will continue to make steady and sustainable improvement in the demanding road to recovery. New colours for the Airline of the Maltese Islands To Mr. Sven Fritzsche, who as from April 12th 2012, took over the role of General Manager at the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz. Mr. Fritzsche succeeds Mr. Noel Attard, who has been appointed General Manager in Lithuania and will lead the opening of the Kempinski Hotel Cathedral Square in Vilnuis. Sven is a familiar face on Gozo and the 37 year old German, who has been working for Kempinski Hotels since 1999, was already for two years on our idyllic Mediterranean island - initially as a Front Desk Manager, then as a Front Office Manager. For Mr. Fritzsche it is the second position as a General Manager. At the young age of 35 he became the General Manager at the Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace Ulanbaatar, Mongolia, where he was responsible until the end of Mr. Fritzsche started his hotel career with a classic apprenticeship in 1992 in the Hotel Hänslehof in Bad Dürrheim, Germany. After completing this training and the community service he moved to the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, USA. After almost two years in the States, he signed up as Front Office Agent in the Kempinski Hotel Bristol in Berlin - and his career within Kempinski Hotels was under way: Gozo, St. Moritz and the opening of the Kempinski Hotel Wuxi, China, as a Director of Rooms and later as an Executive Assistant Manager where he was stationed before he was appointed to his first General Manager position in Mongolia in the summer On his appointement as General Manager of the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, Mr. Fritzsche said When the opportunity was offered to return to the Gozo property as General Manager, I did not hesitate even for one second as the charm and beauty of the island were still very lively in my memories. It is great to return to this little hideaway island and rediscover all its treasures. It is great to see how the hotel evolved in the last eight years and even more exciting that I am able to breath life into the new attractions of the property such as the La Caverna wine bar and the extension of the award winning Spa.... The Chairman and council members augurs all the very best to Mr. Sven Fritzsche, who is also a GTA Council Member. Congratulations 7

8 GTA Calendar of events April 2nd 2012 The GTA Chairman, Mr Paul Scicluna attends MEPA meeting at the University of Gozo regarding Strategic Plan for Environment & Development GTA CEO and Joanne Formosa attend meeting regarding the Careers Weeks being organized later during the month of April. April 3rd 2012 GTA Executive led by Chairman Mr Paul Scicluna, meets ETC delegation made of CEO Mr. Claudio Farrugia, Mr Jonathan Ferrito, Mr Tonio Montebello and ETC Gozo Manager Mr. Marcel Bonnici. April 10th 2012 Separate meetings for the Restaurants and self catering sections of GTA to tackle certain pending issues like tables and chairs and revision of licences. GTA Council meeting April 12th 2012 GTA Chairman and GTA CEO attends GRC meeting with regards Budget Proposals by Gordon Cordina. GTA CEO meets Gozo Ministry Officials regarding the placing of tables and chairs on the Qbajjar Water Front. GTA CEO meets Tranport Malta officials and architects to discuss the progress on the Xewkija Victoria Road. April 13th 2012 GTA CEO meets ITS Gozo Manager Ms. Maria Attard Fenech. April 16th 2012 GTA represented by CEO during a meeting of the Consultative Committee of Green Economy set up by the Ministry for Finance and Economic Investment. Joanne Formosa attended meeting regarding the Careers Week. GTA CEO attends the monthly Board meeting of the Institute of Tourism Travel and Culture of the University of Malta. April 17th 2012 GTA CEO together with Director for Tourism (MGOZ) Mr. Manuel Tabone attend a lunch together with a group of FTI German and Austrian Tour Operators. GTA Secretary and Diving Section Representative Mr. Mark Busutill and GTA CEO attends meeting between Director for Tourism (MGOZ), GTA and PDSA. April 19th 2012 GTA CEO interviewed by Tourism Studies student Ms. Erika Montebello with regards Gozo s Tourism Marketing. GTA CEO meets Gozo Laundry Manager Mr. Joe Attard regarding possible joint initiatives between both entities. April 24th 2012 Scicluna presides over a GTA Council Meeting. April 26th 2012 Scicluna lead GTA Council Members for the opening of the Career Weeks at the Victoria Boys Secondary School. Scicluna and GTA CEO attends the Gozo Regional Committee monthly meeting. April 27th 2012 GTA CEO and Director for Tourism (MGOZ) tours the food Village at Magro Bros Factory. This tour was hosted by the Magro Group Managing Director Mr. John Magro. April 30th 2012 GTA CEO meets one of GTA members Mr. Joe Fiteni. May 4th 2012 GTA CEO meets GTA Vice- President Mr. Mario Loporto. May 7th 2012 GTA CEO meets ITS Gozo Manager Ms. Maria Attard Fenech. GTA Chairman attends Gozo Action Group (GAG) council meeting May 9th 2012 GTA Delegation led by GTA Chairman Mr. Paul Scicluna and including Vice-Chairman, Mr. Mario Loporto and GTA CEO Mr. Joe Muscat meets the Israel Ambassador to Malta H.E. Mr Oren David, the Permanent Secretary (MGOZ) Mr. John Inguanez and Director for Tourism (MGOZ) Mr. Manuel Tabone. May 14th 2012 GTA Executive Council attends a meeting with MTA & NSO regarding the Results of the Pilot project of accommodation in the self catering outlets during the period July/Sept May 17th 2012 GTA Chairman, and GTA council members attend the official opening of the Villa Rundle Garden by the Prime Minister. May 18th 2012 GTA Executive council led by Chairman Mr. Paul Scicluna met Mr. Frank Spiteri from HWS with regards to the setting up of the GTA web portal. May 19th 2012 GTA Executive council led by Chairman Mr. Paul Scicluna met the Prime Minister Dr. Laurence Gonzi and Dr. Simon Busuttil at the Grand Hotel Mgarr. During this meeting a presentation was deliverd to the Prime Minister with 8

9 regards the present tourism scenario on Gozo. GTA delegation also put forward several proposals to increase tourist numbers to Gozo. May 21st 2012 Mr Paul Scicluna, Chairman attended Gozo Action Group (GAG) meeting. May 22nd 2012 Scicluna chairs GTA Council Meeting. May 24th 2012 GTA officials led by Vice- Chairman Mr. Mario Loporto attends the ICER consultative meeting on rural tourism on Gozo. May 24th-May 28th Mr Paul Scicluna, GTA Chairman formed part of the Gozo Action Group (GAG) delegation in Dublin May 31st 2012 Scicluna and GTA CEO attends the Gozo Regional Committee monthly meeting. June 1st 2012 GTA invited to participate in a public discussion regarding transport between Malta and Gozo at the Grand Hotel Mgarr on an invitation by Dr. Franco Mercieca. GTA CEO delivered a presentation on the subject. June 4th 2012 GTA CEO attends the monthly Board meeting of the Institute of Tourism Travel and Culture of the University of Malta. June 5th 2012 GTA Executive Council led by Chairman Mr Paul Scicluna held meeting with the Self catering establishments. June 6th 2012 GTA CEO interviewed by Mr. Frank Grech, regarding the latter s dissertation for his University Masters Course. June 8th 2012 GTA CEO attends meeting of the Green Economy Consultative Committee. June 12th 2012 GTA Council Members and members attend a Regional Conference on the EU benefits for Gozo after 8 years as EU Members. June 13th 2012 GTA CEO attends a meeting with the San Lawrenz local council with regards to the Village Main Square upgrade. GTA executive council led by Chairman Mr. Paul Scicluna met Mr. Frank Spiteri from HWS with regards to the setting up of the GTA web portal. June 14th 2012 GTA CEO meets Mr. Denis Borg, General Secretary of the Maltese Italian Chamber of Commerce to discuss future joint initiative between both entities. June 15th 2012 GTA Council led by Chairman Mr. Paul Scicluna meets Dr. Mario Demarco, Minister for Tourism and the environment to discuss several Tourism issues affecting the Gozitan tourist establishments. June 19th 2012 GTA Council Members led by Chairman Mr. Paul Scicluna, visit the Food Village at Magro Bros Factory. The group was shown around this local produce facility by Managing Director Mr. John Magro. GTA CEO attends a meeting with Police Superintendent Mr. Simon Galea regarding hard sell of transport services at Mgarr Ferry Terminal. This meeting was also attended by Director Tourism Mr. Manuel Tabone, MTA Gozo Office Senior Head Ms. Christine Vella and officials from Transport Malta (Gozo Branch). June 22nd 2012 Scicluna and GTA CEO attends the half day National Conference on Water at the Westin Dragonara organized by the Malta Business Bureau. June 25th 2012 Scicluna and GTA CEO meets the Mayor of Ghasri Mr. Andrew Vella with regards to the upkeep of rural roads in the vicinity of farmhouses in the locality of Ghasri. GTA Executive council led by Mr Paul Scicluna held meeting with Qala Mayor, Mr Clint Buttigieg regarding tables & chairs in front of Restaurants in Qala Main Square. June 26th 2012 Scicluna and GTA CEO attend a meeting with MTA CEO Mr. Josef Formosa Gauci with regards the new self catering licences. June 27th 2012 GTA CEO delivers an overview of the tourism scenario on Gozo to a group of foreign guests participating in the ICER Project piloted by the Ministry for Gozo. June 28th 2012 Mr Paul Scicluna, GTA Chairman addressed 20 french students from Auvergne Mr Paul Scicluna, GTA Chairman was invited for lunch by the US Ambassador Gina Abercromble-Winstanley at Ta Frenc Restaurant. GTA Calendar of events 9

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11 The has recently conducted its second Quarter Survey for 2012 amongst its members, coming from the following sectors: Hotels, self catering accommodation establishments, Restaurants, Diving, transport services, tourist attractions as well as DMCs and tour agencies. Questions were related to the Gozitan tourist establishments performance during the second Quarter of 2012 in these respective categories. 24.4% of respondents termed the performance of their establishment during the second quarter of this year as bad,41.5% declared that their business performance as fair, 22.0% stated that their business was good while the remaining 12.2% declared that their business performance as very good. When asked how their business performed during the second quarter of 2012 when compared to the same quarter of 2011, 35.0% of the respondents classified their business performance as less than last year s, while 30.0% declared that the establishments performance was on the same footing of % declared that the going for April to June 2012 quarter, was in fact better than that from April to June quarter of Another issue covered by this survey was connected with the performance of the domestic market within this second quarter of 2012 period. This market has become generally known as a good sustainer of the Gozitan touristic sector and is thus well welcomed by all operators. This year s second quarter s performance was rated as bad by 30.8%, 56.4% stated that the performance of the domestic market was fair, while 10.3%, declared their establishments performance as good. Only 2.6% rated their performance as very good. In this survey the Gozitan tourism establishments were also asked to rate the effect on their business by the domestic market during the second quarter of 2012, when compared to second quarter of % stated that the effect was on an equal footing of last year, while 47.2% rated the effect of the domestic market on their performance as less than same quarter of When asked about the foreign market s effect on this quarter s performance 20.0% of participants rated the business performance as bad, while 42.5% declared their establishments performance as fair. The foreign market performance was classified as good by 27.5% while 10.0% of respondents stated that it was very good. The Gozitan tourism establishments were also asked to rate effect on their business by the foreign market during the second quarter of 2012, when compared to second quarter of % stated that the effect was on an equal footing, while 25.0% rated the effect of the foreign market on their performance as better than that for On the other hand 37.5% termed the effect of the foreign market as less than same quarter of The members were also asked to assess the revenue generated during this quarter. 29.3% of survey respondents stated that their business revenue was bad, 36.6% declared that it was fair, 29.3% declared that it was good, while 4.9% of the respondents answered that it was very good. The Gozitan Tourism Establishment were also asked how do they rate the revenue generated by their business during the second quarter of 2012 when compared with the same quarter of % stated that revenue generated was less than same quarter of last year. 35% declared they did better than last year while 32.5% stated that revenue generated was on the same footing of last year. Finally the GTA members were asked what main factors are currently limiting their business performance. 10.0% stated that Shortage of employees is limiting their business performance,62.5 % declared that Operating Costs are limiting their business performance,37.5% stated that the main cause is Insufficient demand by clients, 32.5% declared that Financial costs is the main cause, while 22.5% of the respondents stated that Administrative Bureaucracy, while 55% of the respondents declared that Road works are the main factor. The Gozo Tourism establishments were also asked how their business situation developed over the first quarter of 2012, 32.5% declared that it has improved, 25.0% remained unchanged, while 27.5% stated that it has deteriorated. While thanking its members from all sectors of the tourism industry on Gozo for their encouraging participation in this survey, the confirms its intention of holding such surveys on a quarterly basis in order to get periodical snapshots of prevailing trends within the Gozitan tourism scenario. Results of second quarter survey carried out by G.T.A. amongst Gozitan tourist establishments. 11

12 The Consumer Fairs Since 2000 the in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo and the Malta Tourism Authority was representing the Island Destination of Gozo in the several international tourism fairs both those targeted for the trade as well as those for the consumers. Even during 2012 the sent its representatives in the following consumer fairs: Destinations Manchester, Destinations London. Consecutive participation in these events clearly indicates that Gozo s presence within the Malta Tourism Authority stand is paramount to the promotion of the Island. This year Gozo was again promoted as a distinct destination, yet complimentary to destination Malta. This line of promotion is giving Malta an opportunity to promote itself as a holiday offer with diversity. The presence of other Holiday competitors to Gozo and Malta was also strong during this years events. The large number of participating exhibitors at this year s Travel Shows, included amongst others the following competing destinations: Greece, Croatia, Teneriffe, Cyprus, Morocco, and Tunisia. However it was evident that the global recession was leaving a mark on certain popular destinations like Greece and the Greek Islands. During the Destinations Holiday and Travel shows (consumer fairs) the presence of tour Operators is minimal. However two Malta and Gozo Specialists Tour Operators were represented on the Malta and Gozo Stand. Sunspot Tours and Holiday Malta each had a desk manned by their respective representative, basically promoting packaged holidays to Malta and Gozo. Although the internet has continued to play a very important role in holiday bookings, still a large number of visitors are booking their holiday through their preferred tour Operator. Yet they use the internet alot to take a decision on the choice of their destination. As expected during the duration of these events, quite a good number of people visited the Destinations Holiday and Travel shows. Being centrally located in show halls the Malta and Gozo stands were quite frequented. The visitors who stopped on the Malta and Gozo Stands can be divided in three categories: those who visited Gozo, those who visited Malta but not Gozo, and those who never heard about Gozo. The majority of the first category declared that they have visited Gozo more than once, clearly underlining the high percentage of repeat guests Gozo is attracting. The second category stated that they would like to visit Gozo, since most of them came for the day tour, also indicating the relevance of the Gozo day tour. The last category indicates that concentrated and synergised promoting efforts are still needed in order to make desitnation Gozo known more especially from the United Kingdom which is our core market. One of the Destination fairs being held in Manchester, attracted people mostly from the North West of England, however, the Gozo desk had visitors from the Midlands as well as people from the East of the Peninsula and even from Wales. The AirMalta and low cost carrier connections to nearby airports like the one in Manchester and Birmingham is very essential and attractive when visitors ask about accessibility and connectivity. During the London Destination Holiday and Travel fairs sampling of local produce was also given for an hour every day by one of the local producers. The large presence of people attending this sampling is indicative of interest in the island of Gozo. During this years Destinations, as customary the held again two competitions which were open for visitors participation. These competitions consisted in a simple question asking participants to tick their answer on preprinted forms which also included the participant name and surname as well as contact details. The winner of these competitions were entitled for seven nights accommodation at Cornucopia Hotel and Villaġġ tal-fanal given complimentary by two of the Gozo Tourism Association members namely VJBorg Group and the Gozo Village Holidays. The flights tickets from any airport in UK serviced by Air Malta were sponsored by the Directorate for Tourism and Economic Development within the Ministry for Gozo. Furthermore the participants details are being entered on the GTA data base for future reference. Such participations in travel fairs like Destinations are important to keep an on-going promotion of Gozo, with the potential customer. We believe that the presence of the local trade representatives is essential during these participations, to link up with the valuable know how of the Malta Tourism Authority staff as well as the backing and input of the Directorate for Tourism and Economic Development within the Ministry for Gozo. 12