NTOM policy on tourism in Gozo

Abstract

The National Tourism Organisation does not have a specific marketing plan for Gozo. Part of the reason for this is geography and awareness - not Gozo's, but the location of our archipelago. Although we have made tremendous progress in creating market awareness of our islands in Europe and in North America, the fact remains that many people still do not know where the Maltese islands are. On a visit to England, not so long ago, I told someone I came from Malta. "Isn't it next to Hong Kong ?" he asked. He was referring to Macao. The point is that in our major source markets there is still ignorance of the whereabouts of our destination. Consequently, we feel it would be detrimental to our national tourism interests to market our islands separately. Having said that, however, Gozo - together with Comino - is an essential part of our national tourism offer. We all know what Gozo can offer to the tourist - and not only in natural beauty but also for leisure, history, culture and its very own traditions. And we certainly do stress these unique selling propositions in our international advertisement campaigns and promotional literature. Unlike Malta, Gozo is - and is perceived abroad as being - greener, more rural and generally more laid-back. Malta is 20 per cent built-up and has a much higher population density than Gozo.