Joe Grech Because of its double insularity, Gozo suffers from serious constraints that have a direct impact on industry, commerce and tourism. Besides the extra costs and man-hours involved, the lack of fast access to Gozo is a disincentive to foreign direct investment.
Still, time is money and no potential entrepreneur will consider investing in Gozo, unless there is a fast, direct air-link to the Malta International Airport. A look at the prevailing FDI in Gozo confirms this. Furthermore, the lack of an airstrip restricts the movement of persons, goods and services. Use of fixed wings planes could serve as a direct link with neighbouring Mediterranean destinations, like Sicily, Cyprus, Libya and Tunisia.
Gozo’s accessibility is critical for its continuous development. In this respect, it is a must that accessibility by sea will be complimented with fast, reliable and efficient aerial access. This opens international access and networking possibilities for all areas of potential development for Gozo.
In light of this, the Gozo Business Chamber is all out in favour of an airstrip in Gozo, and its positive views are backed and endorsed by all social partners and members of the Gozo Regional Committee (MCESD’s Gozo Committee).
International surveys indicate that one of the top priorities that foreign investors look for prior to investing is fast, regular and reliable accessibility. In their analysis of the European and Malta Attractiveness Surveys 2009, Ernst & Young indicated that the lack of an air-link between Gozo and MIA was one of the main reasons that the surveyed foreign investors in Malta gave for not considering to invest in Gozo.
An airstrip, which caters for small planes with a capacity of about 20 passengers, will serve as a direct, fast and efficient link to the Malta International Airport and will open international access to potential foreign and local investors, as well as it will boost the direct tourist trade. An international access will, in turn, broaden the economic and social benefits of commerce and industry, as its multiplier affects will eventually contribute to more economic activity.
There are also implications for tourism. To reverse the down-word trend in tourism, Gozo must be marketed on its own, as a distinct destination. Amongst others, Gozo’s culture, crafts, unique landscapes, sea-views, history and peaceful lifestyle should be the branded Gozo Product. Having an airstrip is a means to attain the impact of such marketing. An air-link would complement such marketing, as it opens opportunities for new niche tourism, such as that related to health, sports and educational tourism.
There has been a lot of talk about extending the heliport area in Xewkija to cater for the landing and take off of fixed-wing light aircraft. This area’s existing infrastructure is an asset, whereas it has been suggested that the site can take a 600-meter strip. Still there might be other sites that can be earmarked for an airstrip. However, it is not within the remit of the GBC to suggest the site for an airstrip.
Joe Grech is President of the Gozo Business Chamber
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