Three-fourths of Gozo tourism operators say cannot survive beyond December

More than three-fourths of respondents to a Gozo Tourism Association survey believe their establishment cannot survive beyond December in the current situation.

Their main concerns are lack of revenue, employee costs, VAT and other tax payments, utilities, and COVID-19 restrictions. 

The GTA conducted the survey among its members in the past days to understand better the sustained effects brought about by the pandemic on the Gozitan tourism sector. 

The findings will help it review the measures deemed to be more effective for the Gozitan tourism establishments and assist in mitigating the impact. 

Respondents came from a variety of sectors including accommodation sectors, restaurants, diving centres, tourist attractions, transport, tour operators, DMCs, travel agencies, real estate and tourism consultancy firms. 

As expected, all establishments reported lower revenue than last year. The majority said this was between 55% to 65% less than in 2019. 

Eighty per cent said that they did not affect any redundancies even though several sectors were closed or not operating.

However, if the situation remained unchanged, 18% reported that they will start laying off employees, while 35%...