Amsterdam bans creation of new hotels
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
The proposed three-line subway system with 25 stations excludes the sister island
The Gozo Tourism Association (GTA) has criticised the government’s proposal to build a tunnel for vehicles between Malta and Gozo, saying it should be integrated instead with the proposed metro system on the mainland.
“Gozo does not need a tunnel for vehicles, but Gozo deserves to be connected with Malta in the right way,” the association said on Friday in a statement, quoted by the Times of Malta.
The GTA referred to the Labour government’s plan for a three-line underground metro system with 25 stations around Malta which, however, does not extend to Gozo. The association asked why the proposed 5 km tunnel under the seabed between the two islands was not being linked with the proposed metro system.
The government has explained that Gozo's population (33,388 residents as of 2020) must increase by a further 50,000 people to make a metro line financially feasible. But the GTA argues that this reasoning is unfounded, as Gozo's population swells manifold by domestic and foreign visits, especially in the active tourist season.
The association pointed out that in the pre-pandemic 2019 Gozo received 215,272 domestic and 180,978 foreign guests for at least one night, with a further 1.5 million foreign tourists making a day trip to the sister island.
National Statistical Office data also showed that, in 2020, the number of Gozitan residents working in Malta reached 3,284. In 2019, 1,654 Gozitan students were also commuting to Malta to complete their tertiary education.
Were the metro planners aware of these numbers when conducting their research for the system, asked the association.
Tourism providers are not alone in their resentment for Gozo’s exclusion from the proposed metro system. Just days ago, the Association for Gozitan Employees working in Malta (AGEM) stated that the plans for the underground metro system discriminate against Gozitans, especially those who are daily commuters.
Currently, Gozo and Malta are connected by ships only. A new fast ferry service was launched on 1 June this year with two operators using four catamarans. Recently, the government has also promised an air-link as part of its strategy for Gozo.
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
The previous mayor was forced out of office following a no-confidence vote in the city council
Modern traffic lights do more than regulate the flow of vehicles at crossroads, they also collect enormous amounts of data
The facility will replace the need to have water supplied by tankers from Valencia
Modern traffic lights do more than regulate the flow of vehicles at crossroads, they also collect enormous amounts of data
The German Aerospace Center in Cologne is looking for volunteers for its next bed rest study
Muksubussi is nature-friendly, too, so they provide 2-in-1 benefit
The facility will replace the need to have water supplied by tankers from Valencia
The intervention has affected the mountainous districts of the Catalan capital
Even an Eternal City had to start from somewhere
On this day 200 years ago, the great poet lost his life in the Balkan country where he had gone to fight for its liberty
Muksubussi is nature-friendly, too, so they provide 2-in-1 benefit
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
Catch up with some recommendations for the 2024 European Capital of Culture programme from the mayor of Tartu
An interview with the ICLEI regional director for Europe аfter the close of COP28
An interview with a member of the No Hate Speech Network team