Gozo Business Chamber and Tourism Association welcome Victoria’s 2031 European Capital of Culture bid

The Gozo Business Chamber and the Gozo Tourism Association have both welcomed the news that Victoria (Rabat), Gozo has been shortlisted to represent Malta in the race for the European Capital of Culture 2031.

“Culture, in fact, has always been an important vehicle that showed Gozo’s regional distinctiveness,” the Gozo Business Chamber said in a statement, emphasising how the island’s unique cultural identity has long defined its community and heritage.

The Chamber described the shortlisting as an opportunity to strengthen Gozo’s cultural and economic landscape through collaboration and shared purpose.

Represented on the Board of Governors of the Foundation leading Malta’s ECoC 2031 effort, the Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside other stakeholders “towards a common aim which will continue to show our distinctive regional identity within a European context.”

Echoing this sentiment, the Gozo Tourism Association (GTA) said the recognition presents “a remarkable opportunity to showcase the richness and diversity of Gozitan Culture across Europe,” while promoting sustainable regional and urban development through culture.

The GTA expressed confidence that Victoria’s team will deliver a compelling cultural programme “underpinned by long term strategies that deliver social, cultural and economic impact.”

The association also extended congratulations to the President of the Gozo Region, the Mayor of Victoria Local Council, and their teams for preparing “a strong bid that successfully passed the initial selection process.”

Both organisations noted that the coming months will be crucial as Victoria continues to refine its proposal ahead of the final selection in September 2026.

Following the announcement of its shortlisting, Victoria now enters the next phase of evaluation. If successful, Victoria will be the second Maltese city to hold the title after Valletta in 2018, an event widely credited with revitalising Malta’s cultural and tourism landscape.

Winning the ECoC title would channel EU and Government funding into Gozo to support a year-long series of cultural events. Beyond arts and culture, the initiative is expected to stimulate economic activity, enhance Gozo’s visibility on the European stage, and attract investment in creative industries, infrastructure and sustainable tourism.