Gozo tourism survey finds stable summer, with electricity outages and costs major concerns

It was mainly a stable summer for tourism establishments in Gozo, but the main concern they highlighted were the electricity cuts that impacted the islands in summer, and operating costs.

During the past weeks, the Gozo Tourism Association (GTA) carried out an online survey among tourism establishments, to assess their performance during the summer period of June to September 2026, compared to the same months in 2025.

The survey gathered responses from a broad cross-section of the tourism sector, including accommodation providers, restaurants, diving centres, tourist attractions, transport operators, travel agencies and other tourism-related businesses.

While the survey revealed a largely stable summer season, results varied among establishments. When asked to classify their overall business performance, 43.08 per cent reported that it remained on the same level as 2025, while 35.38 per cent registered an improvement and 21.54 per cent experienced a decline.

With regards to the foreign market, 64.62 per cent of respondents reported a positive impact from foreign tourists, while 18.46 per cent reported no impact and 16.92 per cent a negative one.

When compared to the same period in 2025, 43.08 per cent stated that foreign market performance remained equal, and 38.46 per cent reported an improvement. The rest experienced a downturn.

Regarding the domestic market, the GTA said, 48.44 per cent of respondents reported no impact from Maltese tourists, while 31.25 per cent experienced a positive effect and 20.31 per cent a negative one. When comparing domestic market performance with 2025, the majority, 57.81 per cent, reported equal performance, while 25 per cent noted a decline and 17.19 per cent registered an improvement.

When asked about the challenges affecting their businesses, electricity outages were the most frequently selected concern, cited by 64.62 per cent of respondents, followed by increased operating costs at 63.08 per cent.

Traffic and parking difficulties and staff shortages were each highlighted by 52.31 per cent, while 50.77 per cent identified infrastructure and construction works, the GTA said. Marsalforn road construction was cited by 36.92 per cent, the Skills Pass by 32.31 per cent and administrative bureaucracy by 23.08 per cent. None of the respondents selected the option indicating that they faced no challenges.

Revenue generated during summer period rated as average by nearly 50%

As for revenue generated during the summer period, it was rated as average by 47.69 per cent of respondents, good by 40 per cent and poor by 12.31 per cent. When directly compared to the same period in 2025, 38.46 per cent reported unchanged revenue, 36.92 per cent registered higher revenue and 24.62 per cent experienced a decrease.

In the follow-up question on factors contributing to improved revenue, increased prices were cited by 65.63 per cent of those who answered, followed by increased clientele at 56.25 per cent, improved marketing strategies at 34.38 per cent and new services or offers at 12.50 per cent.

In the separate question on reasons for decreased revenue, lower spending per customer was cited by 77.27 per cent of those who answered, increased competition by 45.45 per cent and fewer customers by 40.91 per cent.

The survey also examined the effects of ongoing infrastructure and construction works.

Among the respondents who answered this question, noise and dust, a negative impact on the surrounding environment, and traffic congestion were each cited by 52.63 per cent, the GTA said. Parking difficulties were reported by 49.12 per cent, disruption to customers or guests by 40.35 per cent, and difficulties accessing establishments by 31.58 per cent. Furthermore, 19.30 per cent reported cancellations or loss of business.

Majority see no significant impact from same-day visitors

A separate question assessed the impact of same-day visitors on tourism establishments. The majority, 60.94 per cent, reported no significant impact on their business, while 25 per cent reported a negative effect and 14.06 per cent a positive one. Comments reflected differing experiences across the sector, with some operators identifying business opportunities from day visits, while others highlighted limited spending, short itineraries and additional pressure on traffic and public spaces.

Operators were also invited to identify measures to improve Gozo’s tourism product, increase visitor quality and spending, and create greater business opportunities.

The responses included calls for stronger promotion of Gozo as a destination for longer stays, improved connectivity, better infrastructure and public transport, greater cleanliness and more effective traffic management. Operators also highlighted the need to protect the island’s character and natural environment, manage construction disruption, and develop tourism during the shoulder and winter months, the GTA said.

“Taken together, these findings underline the importance of ensuring that tourism activity translates into tangible benefits for Gozo’s tourism establishments, while addressing the operational and infrastructural challenges that affect both businesses and the visitor experience,” the GTA added.