Gozo tourism: Achievements of 2025 and prospects for 2026

 With 2025 drawing to a close, Malta is on track to welcome a record 4 million tourists to its islands. Gozo, too, has benefitted from this surge, registering notable growth in both overnight stays and day visits.

According to the latest NSO statistics, overnight stays in Gozo rose by 6% between January and October 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Day tourism also reached unprecedented levels, with 1.9 million visitors crossing over to Gozo for a few hours during this period, a 13% increase over 2024. This means that nearly 54% of tourists staying on mainland Malta chose to make a day trip to Gozo.

An especially encouraging development is the shift in seasonality. While the summer months (June–September) remained stable, significant growth was recorded in the winter and shoulder seasons, with double‑digit increases during these months. This trend suggests that Gozo is gradually overcoming the long‑standing challenge of seasonality, strengthening its position as a year‑round destination.

Challenges facing the sector

Despite these positive developments, Gozitan tourism operators continue to face pressing challenges. 

A recent survey by the Gozo Tourism Association highlights two main concerns: 

The rising food costs, which force operators to balance absorbing expenses with adjusting their selling prices, a delicate trade-off that directly affects competitiveness, and the Labour shortages, a persistent issue for over two decades, now reaching critical levels. Many establishments rely heavily on foreign workers, particularly third-country nationals (TCNs). 

This reliance brings complications such as visa processing delays and skills pass assessments, while also raising concerns that Gozo’s tourism product may risk losing some of its authenticity, a key element of the visitor experience.

Resilience and investment

Notwithstanding these challenges, Gozo’s tourism sector remains vibrant and resilient. Continuous investment and upgrading in accommodation and catering demonstrate the entrepreneurial spirit of Gozitan operators, who have consistently turned obstacles into opportunities.

Recent and ongoing infrastructural projects spearheaded by the Ministry for Gozo and Planning “Gozo Indoor Sports and Aquatic Pavilion further strengthen the island’s tourism offering. The in Victoria, inaugurated in September, opens new avenues for sports tourism.While the Victoria– Marsalforn road project, the Gozo Museum, and the planned rural airfield will enhance connectivity, accessibility, and attractions for both tourists and locals.

Looking ahead to 2026

The Envision 2050 strategy emphasises that tourism on the Maltese islands should evolve from a focus on quantity to one centered on quality, aiming to generate higher expenditure per capita while maintaining current arrival levels. In this context, the distinctiveness of Gozo, rooted in its cultural heritage, natural resources, and diverse range of quality products, provides a strong foundation for positioning the island as a premium destination. Safeguarding and enhancing these inherent strengths is essential to ensure their lasting appeal.”

Looking ahead to 2026, the tourism sector approaches the future with optimism, as Gozo prepares to proudly hold the title of the European Region of Gastronomy, a prestigious recognition that offers immense potential to showcase its rich culinary heritage.

Feedback from International tourism fairs already reflects strong interest in Gozo, with travel operators eager to collaborate on new and enticing destinations. Gozo’s combination of resilience, innovation, and authenticity ensures that it remains a compelling destination, well- positioned to build on the successes of 2025 and embrace the opportunities of the year ahead.