Overdeveloped, shabby, dirty: Gozo is losing its charm, tourism operators fear

All of the Gozo Tourism Association members who participated in an online survey over the past two weeks believe the island is losing its charm and characteristics to overdevelopment.

Furthermore, 91% of the survey respondents said this development will deter foreign and local tourists from visiting Gozo.

The association said its survey focused on the touristic product and the constraints that Gozitan tourism establishments are facing in post-pandemic times.

Operators that participated in the survey hailed from the accommodation, catering, diving, attractions, transport, tours and real estate sectors and also destination management companies, travel agencies and tourism consultancy firms.

"The survey confirmed the tourism sector in Gozo is seriously concerned about the over development in Gozo," the association said in a statement.

Among others, a significant majority of 81% of participants believe unfinished projects are providing "a shabby look of the destination".

And 62% of participants agreed that the island needed a general clean-up, recommending as well continuous maintenance of public places, playing fields, public gardens and green areas.

In need of renovation but...