Wednesday, 16th September 2009
Touristic trials and tribulations
It has been a tough year for the local tourism industry. Hotel bookings are down, nights spent in Maltese hotels have fallen and restaurant reservations have decreased. Business outlets catering for tourists have experienced a sharp drop in income. The Gozo Tourism Association has gone on record claiming that Malta's sister island has fared even worse with most hotels doing badly.
To add fuel to the fire, the usual Santa Maria exodus was non-existent and any hopes of recouping form in this period were dashed. In a nutshell it has been a cruel summer for tourism in Malta.
And many believe that the worse is still to come. The so called ‘Shoulder months' of October and November are offering bleak prospects and many 3-star hotels could be facing the chop if something drastic (but sensible) isn't done quickly. For if Malta's touristic descent continues we could be faced with a sharp increase in unemployment figures come autumn.
Minister Tonio Fenech has already said that he will do his utmost to adopt as many proposals and suggestions he can in the 2010 pre-budget discussions. But is it a case of too little too late? Will this precarious situation be far past saving?
I would unfortunately tend to think that it is too late now and that no amount of advertising and investment can substantially ameliorate this year's performance. In difficult times such as these it takes sharp decisive action to limit the damage that the worst recession of our times has caused. And that action, regretfully, was nowhere to be seen.
While most of our neighbours have not done well when it comes to attracting tourists we have been unsurprisingly hit harder. One of the reasons for not being as competitive as Cyprus or Greece, two of our closest competitors, is that the value for money of our tourism industry is on the low side.
The government's decision procrastinate instead of decisively reducing VAT on restaurants surely didn't help. As did the absurd decision to bring a spectacular price hike in the entrance fees to museums and historical sites, right in the middle of a recession. Gonzi's downsizing of the Ministry of Tourism to a parliamentary secretariat may not have been the brightest of moves, a decision that was unpopular with hoteliers and restaurateurs.
The way forward should be that of building Malta's profile to potential tourists. Make Malta a place one should visit at least once in a life time. Portray our country as exciting and eventful, buzzing with places to go, yet mysterious and peaceful. We should know our target market and chose our advertising well. We should exploit the unlimited advertising space provided by the internet and online marketing. The industry should wake up to the fact that our future in tourism relies not on Malta as a ‘sun-tourism' spot but as a mixture of sun, sea, history, culture, adventure, education and most of all value for money.
The government should step in to improve cleanliness in Malta. More effort, time and money should be dedicated to keep renowned tourist areas free of rubbish and dirt. The transport reform in Malta, presently trudging along at a snail's pace, should be centred around providing a holistic improvement especially around tourist areas.
A larger network of more efficient tourist routes for buses could bring that much needed boost to improve the tourist's experience when using public transport.
Road works and excavations in tourist sites, should be avoided in summer. Funds invested in a mass campaign to educate each and every one of us how we can do our bit to make a tourist's visit to Malta a memorable one, would be money well spent.
This year's woes should be carefully examined and our decisions critically studied. Only in this way can we avoid to commit the same mistakes next year and the year after. That value added which Malta can offer has time and time again not been exploited fully. No significant measures were taken by the Nationalist government in such extraordinary circumstances, a symptom of political fatigue maybe?
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Comments
"note that consumer rights are here abused not protected. Why?" Good question but addressed to the wrong person. It should be addressed to your restaurateurs and merchants and hotel managers/owners.
"Still you didn't tell me....'highest cost of living' within the EU, while the average wage is the lowest in the EU?" Two separate issues the first of which has already been explained but you seem to refuse to understand. The wage issue should be linked with productivity and competitiveness. When both rise, raises will be in order, but we know how many workers place productivity somewhat lower on their list of priorities!
When you compare e20,000 to the millions obtained from the EU, seriously, you must be joking! Now, had you compared the e20,000 to Lm1.6 million your MLP had predicted we would receive from the EU - then a comparison would have made some sense.
And with regards to my masters in economics, I can assure you that even without one, I can at least understand the unshakable principles. You don't and your writings are proof enough that you not only don't understand but worse, you are not the least inclined to learn, nor capable of understanding.
Still you didn’t tell me who is responsible that we locals are ‘enjoying’ the ‘highest cost of living’ within the EU, while the average wage is the lowest in the EU?
Again who is responsible for the gross mismanagement of public funds? Isn’t it funny reading on local Maltese paper this very morning, that some 20, 000 Euros has to be returned to the EU for mismanagement! The list is endless.
By the way, your comment tells me your ‘masters in economy’ seems to be most wanting! No personal offence is meant. Try harder my friend!
Yes even I remember that person, I also remember that he was in partnership with two very prominent PN MPs. If you go for a ride to Mellieha Bay and keep one eye on the right after you leave the zigzag you might remember which partnership I’m talking about. I also remember that the MLP disgraced, interdicted and threw that man out of the Party. Do you remember what your lot did when the Mellieha scandal, which involved the three gentlemen, unfolded? You probably forgot.
It appears that YOU do not understand how a liberalized market works. It is the consumer who regulates it, not the government. If an establishment jacks up the prices, the remedy is not the 'price control police', but it is the consumer boycotting such an establishment.
On the other hand if all the Gozo restaurants and merchants raise their prices and the consumers still buy, then there goes your theory that the consumer is in dire straits and that you never had it so bad. You cannot have it both ways!
Your prices are the highest in the EU because Malta's market is the smallest and therefore the economy of scale works against it all the time. Get a grip on Economics 101 and you will hopefully understand.
No, I have no idea how many (by number) Gozo hotels closed in the last few years. It tells me, however that they did not give value for what they charged, offered poor service or were obsolete. Again, you are trying to have it more than two ways because prior to 2009, the tourist numbers for Malta and Gozo were record numbers, so you cannot blame vacancies.
@ Denis Catania
You said that I blame a government of 30 years ago, "for what they didn't achieve". Maybe you are right and I have proof, but also, I complain about what it achieved in way of violence, corruption, loss of basic human rights, etc. Successive Nationalist governments corrected all the injustices, restored democracy and achieved a heck of a lot more than recruiting forced labour in order to reduce the unemployment numbers.
You do not have to apologize to the Times readers on my behalf even if you, according to your own description, are a tall, handsome and perfect example of a (confused) Nationalist supporter. I have nothing to apologize for and if ever I did, I can do it myself.
Now go back to your keyboard in the shadow of that big bronze Lady and reminisce of the era when your adoptive country represented Liberty in its true meaning and without imposition and conditions on other countries.
Hit the history books, Denis, and, keep some loose change to start paying the trillions (sans Universal Health Care)!
From your comment it is evident you didn't understand in FULL David's pleas. He is asking: why those who are supposed to be protecting the consumer are doing nothing against greedy sharks! If you read between the lines there is more to chew!
He is tellingus all, that l OUR cost of living is the HIGHEST in the EU! Please tell me ,,, why?
Indeed, David didn't mention the 'government' but his message is very clear to whom he is pointing all his ten fingers.
Are you blaming the PL for this institutional mismanagement of priorities and public funds? I just wonder!
You do not have an idea how many 'government departments' were closed in in Gozo in the last ten years and thus a good number of jobs were transferred to Malta for good! You have no idea how many hotels in Gozo closed their doors these last ten years! Nor you have the slightest idea how many small businesses closed. The fishing industry in Gozo is literally fighting to survive, while farming is nowadays a 'pastime' of a few.
Tourism is going downstreams. Do you know that Xlendi Road is in such a bad state that any one driving to Xlendi is really risking his/her/ their life/lives? Do you know why? Do you know how many millions of Euros to resurface Xlendi Road were voted by various Adminstrations in the last 6 years and not one cent was ever spent.
May I ask you whom I should blame for this mismanagement? Just tell me please.
Please take a minute to read a letter in today's Times written by a Mr.David Carrington. I am sure that you will also disagree with him. Problem is, he does not live far away as I do, but in Sannat, Gozo, that is.
Funny how he did not mention the word 'government' once!
@ Denis Catania
"In the U.S I never hear democrats talking about what Nixon did in the 70's or republicans talk about what Clinton did in the 90's". They don't have to, they have monuments and memorials to constantly remind them.
They don't need to mention the Bush's accomplishments. We are ALL paying for their errors. We need not mention what is happening today with the Republicans and some Democrats giving Obama a hard time as he tries to reform the American Health system which sees millions without insurance and many have the stark choice of either go bankrupt or die! Some choice! Maybe Americans are averse to mentioning the performance of some of their former Presidents since they find it quite embarrassing.
And since you mentioned Canadian Prime Ministers, yes we are proud of some and not so of others. I shall not name any since it may not be of interest for this blog, but believe me, we also have some to gripe about!
I may sound like a broken record, but at least consistent, a quality you can hardly boast about yourself. Besides, what's history cannot be rewritten however convenient it may be to you and others.
@all timesofmalta readers: Not all PN supporters are like J Martinelli, I'm a perfect example. We don't all wear blinders. Please excuse J Martinelli.
Allegations are unproven stories. Or, perhaps you used the word 'allegations' in order to protect yourself from libel?
The fact that you used the word, indicates that proof was never established, otherwise it would have been referred to as a fact in both publications you mentioned, thus removing the necessity of the precautionary measures you took to describe 'the story'! It is also very odd that Labour governments, succeeding the Nationalists' which were responsible for the 'alleged corrupt' contract to build the Gozo Hospital, never found proof supporting your allegation.
I can speculate, that any person who lost his job, lost it due to 'alleged' incompetency. I may be safe from the legal point of view, but morally, I would stink.
The word alleged is speculative and if one had to speculate certain dealings by Labour former Ministers, it would take more than one volume to list them. In the absence of proof one should keep his mouth shut.
@ Giov De Martino
Your mention of the late Carm Caruana a\k\a ‘Tal qronfla,’ reminded me of the 60’s infamous ‘Maudling & Paulson affair’ to be succinct the Gozo hospital scandal.
The scandal had international reverberations due to the involvement of G L Poulson, a British architect who caused a major political scandal when his use of bribery and connections to senior politicians were disclosed in 1972. One of the figures to be forced out was Conservative Home Secretary Reginald Maudling. Poulson served a jail sentence.
Allegedly Poulson’s dubious activities included a GBP5, 000 donations to the Nationalist Party’s Press Fund in return for favouring his bid to build the new Gozo hospital. These allegations are documented in the book Web of Corruption: The Full Story of John Paulson and T. Dan Smith, by Raymond Fitzwater and David Taylor. Further research on the controversial deal was included in the book written by Wenzu Mintoff.
U int Giovan tfakkarna biss xqal Mintoff meta kien il Prim.
My heart truly bleeds every time I read about improvements to your infrastructure, transfer of back offices from Malta to Gozo, improvements to the Gozo General Hospital etc.
The unemployment is rising WORLDWIDE not just in Gozo. Do you by any chance regard yourselves as ' a chosen people, set apart' of the rest of the world?
Maybe, Joseph you should be living thousands of miles away, as I am, and open your mind and witness what real hardship this recession is causing to millions (not a few hundred)! You can open your mouth when you lose your home or have to sell your valuable assets just to get by and provide food on the table or be able to pay for hospitalization and medicine!
Maybe you should live for a while in a rich (or formerly rich) country and get a feeling of what the real effects of the recession are all about. Of course, you'd rather take a little cruise here and there and do some shopping in Sicily rather than support your local merchants who seem to panic every time visits by il-Maltin ta Malta decrease by 7000 or so.
We don't have to go back 30 years and blame the then Socialist government.
More recently, (1996-98) the Labour government had enough time to embellish Bugibba waterfront but not enough time to even think about Cirkewwa. Such were its priorities.
George Borg Olivier does not enter into this argument at all. However, don't forget that had it not been for his timely political astuteness, Republic Day, Jum il-Helsien and other Labour 'achievements' would have been just a pipe dream.
Using your argument, time is the essence, so all I can say to you is; it is not Cirkewwa's time yet. Be patient like we were patient for years until clean water started to flow uninterrupted in our taps. When have you last seen tourists waving placards "We want water!" parading in front of hotels?
And lastly, how many comments on this blog (including yours) are not politically motivated? Being all over the political map like you usually are, does not make you a neutral observer.
People in all parts of the world have to travel to get to their daily jobs. Travelling by public or private transport costs money and nowhere in this world are these expenses subsidized like the Gozitans' privileged fare to Malta and back on a daily basis.
Workers have to, not wish to go to work and the trip to Malta is a maximum 40 kilometers in length including the boat crossing. Commuters in larger countries often have to drive a hundred or more kilometers daily each way.
It obviously pays to incur the expenses you mention and have a job in Malta rather than stay on the unemployment register. Sorry, but the arguments you present are very unconvincing.
@ Joseph Buttigieg Attard
Your usual drivel makes little sense of the fact that Socialist/Labour administrations never went as far as building a decent terminal at Mgarr let alone Cirkewwa - not to mention their inability to ensure a good clean water supply at the taps.
But, as usual, when the Nationalists are in power, the LP expects everything resolved in a matter of weeks.
Keep hoping (or stewing).
While I never neglect the past I am more concerned on the present and the future. The present cannot be much worse. 'L-idejn sodi huma bla sahha ta' xejn'.
To make matters even worse no one is sure who is really piloting the sinking boat. Too many captains with different interests and priorities are making sure that the boat sinks as soon as possible and we Gozitans has to wait and for the Cirkewwa project.
'Delay' of a week, month or two one can accept but not for so many years. That isn't called 'delay'. That is 'unnatural behaviour' which has to be condemned by us all, including you, my friend.
Martineli can you please explain why your Party's thugs are no longer known as thugs but IMQARBIN? Whom you are trying to kid my friend? You might kid yourself but no one else!
“A modest Proposal”.
After hearing Malta referred to as " the Filthy Rock" by more than a few visitors, I thought long and hard to what could be done to reverse this harmful but currently true opinion and bring new visitors to the islands and back again. The answers; just turn it into the healthiest and cleanest rock.
Based on my observations, here is a short list of most obvious sources.
#1: Cigarettes are by far the largest source of ill health and visual pollution. It is without question the greatest tourist deterrent Malta exhibits, and most costly health issue of her visitors and citizens.
The solution; completely ban cigarette importation, and smoking on the islands.
#2: phase out and replace all worn out, unfiltered, outdated diesel engines in use everywhere. Modern engines can easily be retrofitted to existing buses, trucks, and agricultural equipment. It can be afforded by government grants, huge savings from increased fuel efficiency, greater tourism, less foreign oil dependency, better health, and increased number of visitors…
#3: A national healthy lifestyle promotion need be encouraged and implemented. It cuts health costs, attracts visitors, promotes healthy positive attitudes, greater productivity, and sense of well being…
After spending 30 years living and teaching in the United States, it became apparent that most Americans are oblivious to the existence of Malta, it's rich history, culture, and friendly people. The few educated individuals that had, had few good words to portray their experiences. Concerned and feeling somewhat island patriotic, I came to see for myself.
I arrived this summer after a 32 year absence. Problems were apparent almost right away. Apart from having the cleanest airport in the world, the rest of “Malta is a filthy rock” in comparison to most industrialized nations, A blatant third world attitude runs rampant among her population that deters the most respectful, affluent, and family oriented visitors from promoting the island and returning ever again, with exception to Gozo.
Billions of cigarette butts, beverage containers and feces everywhere tourists go, . Filthy thich black cancerours diesel and cigarette smoke engulfs, permiates every populated spot triggering, asthma, allegies, and resporatory attacks in the healthiest of us..."Now there's your problem lady". How do we fix it?
Face it Joe, Martinelli, as per usual, is right, Gonzipn has got a divine right to act in a manner it pleases and you have no right to complain and air your views for a very valid reason-Mintoff done worst during 1971-1987 and by comparison your nagging is trivial.
The delay of the Cirkewwa project is trivial compared to depriving the whole nation of a basic necessity such as water. Or, State controlled trade, emptying shelves and issuing butter, cans of tuna, cooking oil etc, etc whenever and if ever the 'government' imported them! Or, 'planned' power interruptions because of lack of Power Station capacity. Or, waiting some two YEARS before being connected to a 'party line' where the matter of privacy of one's conversations were at the very bottom of the government's concern. Or, the inability to dare say anything against the government ( such as you frequently do today) lest you receive a visit from the MLP friendly thugs. Or..... the list is endless.
Whatever deceitful bait GonziPN might have for next General Election, the reaction of the Gozitans is send him packing for good. Be assured, Gozo with the most conservative electorate is to give us all the BIGGEST POLITICAL SURPRISE EVER!
GonziPN can play whatever games to gain time but time is not in its favour. You know it, I know it and we all know it!
You’re right as always, never mind the fact that the project was initiated 15 years ago. Guess you’re still convinced that the Piano Project will be inaugurated in four years time.
While I agree that the Cirkewwa terminal is long overdue, I suspect that since this project was initiated years ago and before joining the EU, it could be (and I stand to be corrected) that it does not qualify for any EU funding therefore its cost will be borne 100% by local means.
There are so many 'needs' with varying urgencies that projects such as the Cirkewwa one, could take the back seat for now and a little patience is needed. Remember that the Gozo ferry has been in existence for many, many years and I remember the days of the Bancinu, Imperial Eagle etc., when getting on the boat was an adventure in itself. No decent pier existed and accommodation on board was often shared with a herd of cows. Time and money cured a lot of that including the building (locally) of three modern ferries, thanks to the taxpayers' and government's involvement.
Mgarr also waited long and the landing facilities there were not better than Cirkewwa's, but eventually a decent terminal was constructed and serves the purpose well.
Hopefully the Cirkewwa project will soon be brought to the front burner!
@ J Martinelli
Gozitans cross both ways for a song and dance and all pax over the age of sixty, irrespective of our place of abode, don’t even need to sing and dance as we travel FOC.
Our government also allows us to go through City Gate in Valletta without paying a toll yet it found enough money to mount the Piano Project while the Cirkewwa development is facing budgetary problems. Do you think that’s right? Where are the logic and the sense of priority? Don’t you see this as another case of unfair distribution of wealth?
'Shrouded in mystery' is Raymond Caruana's 'political murder' even when 25 years ago your beloved EFA publicly gave us all the impression that he knew who commited this dreadful crime and repeatedly promised that he will bring 'them' to justice as he goes in office.
The biggest mystery is that after so many PN Administrations you, the general public and I are still waiting that these murderers and others who committed similar murders to be brought to justice.
Food for thought my dear friend! Think and think again when you mention such terrible crimes.
Whoever commited those crimes are still running free thanks to your omnipotent Administrations.
Nevertheless I am convinced that one day the whole Truth will be known and justice will prevail. Then our political history will be re written.
I am almost 100% with you this time! Except for your last comment where you said that the lack of a proper Cirkewwa Terminal, the Gozitans are paying a price!
They are? I am under the impression that Gozitans (with a legitimate Gozo address) cross both ways for a song and dance. Am I wrong?
Maybe they should forfeit the subsidy and then the government would have enough money to start the project in earnest.
But, further to the case of 'attitudes' and 'prices', may I briefly narrate an experience of not many years ago? I was in Marsalforn and a lady was by her doorstep tatting lace and I decided to take a picture. She did not object but when I took the picture, she expected that I pay her something! How about that for turning a tourist off? Are all Gozitans like that? Certainly not, but negative experiences seem to stick in one's mind much longer than the routine treatment one receives (and expects) from business people whose livelihood comes directly or indirectly from tourism.
The two mosques on that temple mount will have to go.
Rome is the owner of that city since December 1993 when Shimon Peres handed the city over to the Vatican. http://www.redmoonrising.com/chamish/vaticanagenda.htm
@Joseph-Buttigieg-Attard
You_got_to_admit_that_the_major problem for the tourist industry decline is not the Government and you wouldn’t see an improvement before you tackle the real problem, namely, attitudes and pricing. My roots are in Gozo and I love the little island, it is a gem, yet, very sadly, the people in the trade are killing the goose which lays the golden eggs.
I’ve stayed in hotels and ate in restaurants in all continents and generally speaking I always get the expected level of service and the feeling of good hospitality; Italy and Gozo are somewhat different. Italy can get away with it because they have the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican to outweigh the Italians’ arrogance and overcharges, Ta Pinu would not make up for some of the Gozitans’ bad attitude. Check the ailment Joseph and you’ll be cured. Politicians come and go, a bad reputation stays.
As to the Cirkewwa Terminal however, I am with you 100% ,it is one of Gonzipn monumental failures, 15 years since kick-off and yet still in an embryo state and the poor Gozitan Islanders, who had trusted the PN since the beginning of our political history, are paying the price.
Give it up Buttigieg - truth isn't restricted by boundaries - it crosses oceans for those who want to embrace it.
You harp on Cirkewwa terminal when the subject was Gozo and as far as I know, from this distance, Cirkewwa is in Malta not Gozo. Some cheek you have. If any, the Maltese (of Malta) should be complaining not Gozitans who are the beneficiaries of a magnificent terminal in Mgarr! Besides, the PL had ample time to think about Cirkewwa - 1971-1987 and 1996-1998 but did nothing about it. As a matter of fact, Cirkewwa was never on its radar screen let alone plans.
Gozo "is now endorsed as a priority in the PL's statute!"? Since when? I remember when Gozo did not deserve a Minister - and that was during MLP administrations! It's astounding how Gozitans complain when some new project which will bring them into the 21st century is announced and on the other hand lament that not enough attention is devoted to their 'dire' state!
Wittingly you didn't comment on the Cirkewwa Terminal Saga!! Shouldn't you blame the PL for this?!
I know you can never digest the truth of the terrible situation we are at present experiencing thanks to your beloved party : the PN or better still GonziPN!
Mepa's permit to turn the X Mgarr Hotel into some sort of appartments justifies all I said in my previous mail. How shameful indeed! GonziPN's 'strong hands' cannot even carry a weed or a feather!
And the situation is getting worse since GonziPN CANNOT ever make a reshuffle of his 'trusted few'. Being so far away you do not realise that the end of GonziPN is getting nearer and nearer. The signs are all there for all to comprehend. Playing deaf and dumb to these signs doesn't help you and your beloved party.
The only option left for GonzipN is to pack up. The sooner the better for us all.
"The truth is that throughout written history, it has never been so bad for us Gozitans".
Seven thousand less visitors during the Santa Marija holiday seems to have spelled disaster for Gozo! I know, I know, you shall respond that tourism in Gozo has declined overall, not just for the Santa Marija period. Eureka! Tourism has declined worldwide, so why not in Gozo?
Having said that, I know of many other reasons why tourism has declined in Gozo and the government has nothing to do with it. I shall not list various reasons because I do not want to come across as having anything against Gozitans, or indeed, start another polemic. What I suggest perhaps, is for Gozitans to examine their conscience regarding their attitudes towards the tourist.
It is futile to bemoan the general downward trend of tourism both in Malta and Gozo, because the year is about over and more attention should be given to next year and beyond. Malta and Gozo should adjust to the tourist, not the other way around!
Continued
It is useless to have more 5 star hotels than 3 or 4 star, if the majority of the tourists we attract are the type who can only afford the lower classified hotels. On the other hand, all hotels should have well trained staff who occasionally can crack a smile and provide good service which will encourage repeat business.
Reading complaints from tourists, the shortcomings go well beyond hotels and invariably, comments from locals seem always bent on government inaction. They conveniently ignore the fact that tourism cannot and should not be the sole responsibility of government. The government cannot be at the airport greeting tourists as they come in, transport them in an efficient and pleasant manner to their hotel, provide them with affordable meals, taxi them in clean cabs driven by courteous drivers or by public transportation in clean air conditioned buses.
Those employed in the tourist industry bear a heavy responsibility to maintain their livelihood and not always depend on government to guarantee their bread and butter in spite of their shortcomings.
And lastly, the general cleanliness has to depend on the public's cooperation which seems to be lacking both in the streets and beaches.
We Gozitans were promised 'heaven on earth' by GonziPN and previous PN Administrations, on each and every eve of so many G. Elections. The truth is that thoughout written history,it has never been so bad for us Gozitans.
Tourism in Gozo, our one and only industry, is going on the rocks. This very summer we experienced empty hotels rooms and empty restuarants. Our only hope is to impliment PL's 'Regional Gozo' proposal, which is now endorsed as a priority in the PL's statute!