Notwithstanding the fact that inbound tourist arrivals increased by 21% during the first five months of 2024, and the domestic arrivals in collective accommodation increased by 7% during the first quarter of 2024, tourism operators in Gozo encountered decrease in their revenue during the first half of 2024, compared to the same period of 2023.
This was expressed by 53% of Gozitan operators in a survey conducted by the Gozo Tourism Association, amongst its members, during the past fortnight. This survey was conducted to understand better the situation within the Gozitan tourism sector during the first six months of 2024, compared to the same period the year before, as well as the constraints faced by these establishments in their operation.
The encouraging response to this survey from Gozitan tourism operators covered a wide range of the tourism sector on Gozo. The categories that filled in the survey were coming from all the Accommodation sectors, Restaurants, Diving Centres. Tourist Attractions, Transport, Tour operators, DMCs, Travel Agencies, Property Rentals and tourism consultancy firms.
A substantial 88% of respondents reported experiencing recent electricity outages. This issue has led to establishments compensating their clients, with 44% also noting damages to their equipment and stock, as well as loss of business.
Despite 56% of respondents indicating that their prices and rates remained unchanged compared to the previous year, 53% reported a decrease in revenue.
When asked about their clientele, 57% of participants identified foreign visitors as their primary group, while 43% stated that their main clientele consisted of Maltese customers.
While 54% of respondents noted an increase in overall customer satisfaction compared to the same period last year, 93% of the survey participants reported an increase also in their operational costs.
The survey highlighted the primary challenges faced by establishments, with 56% citing increased competition, 44% pointing to the economic conditions, and 42% noting the lack of human resources.
When questioned about their pricing strategies, 47% of respondents stated that there was no change, while 40% reported the need to increase their prices due to rising costs.
Improved online reviews and feedback from clients were reported by 51% of the respondents, when compared to the same period of last year, while 56% stated that there was no change in their marketing and promotional initiatives.
When question about the Skills Pass, a significant 78% of respondents indicated that they have not been affected by the Skills Pass initiative yet, although the other 22% reported a negative impact.
Finally, an alarming 85% of respondents believe that the general touristic offer in Gozo is not meeting guests’ expectations due to various factors including excessive construction, lack of tranquillity, poor infrastructure, noise disturbances, and cleanliness issues.
Through the findings of this survey, the Gozo Tourism Association will be in a position to suggest and put forward proposals to the various competent Authorities to tackle in a synergized effort the issues raised in this survey for the benefit of the tourism sector on Gozo.