Ggantija: "Gozo can't afford to jeopardise such a unique heritage site" - GTA

Source: Gozo News

Ggantija: "Gozo can't afford to jeopardise such a unique heritage site" - GTA

Gozo's history is one of the unique selling propositions of this island, and through such the Gozo Tourism Association said it promotes "destination Gozo."

The Gozo Tourism Association has therefore voiced its concerns with regards to the development being proposed on a site that is "so close to Ggantija temples."

The Association insisted that "both for the sake of the preservation of its historical heritage for the future generations of our islands, as well as in its vested capacities of a unique tourism destination, Gozo cannot afford to jeopardise such a unique heritage site."

While participating in various international tourism fairs, the Association said it "heralds the Ggantija Temples as the flagship of our history and heritage."

"It is indeed with pride that we can rightly assert that these temples are documented as the oldest free-standing structure in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site," said the GTA.

It argued that, "as an island and as a nation, we must conserve and safeguard such incomparable treasures."

As a nation we are duty-bound to protect this World Heritage Site both on a national as well as on an international level, the GTA said.

The Gozo Tourism Association said it is not against development, "but as reiterated so often and as highlighted in our Budget 2024 proposals, development in Gozo should respect and protect the characteristics on which our tourism industry is built."

The Association stressed that "the protection of our heritage and environment signifies and ensures that Gozo will be an island where islanders live, work and prosper within a strong thriving, healthy community."

"Ultimately our small island has a diverse and extremely rich historical heritage, which is a source of pride and strength to so many islanders who have always looked at our heritage for inspiration, communication and the opportunity to develop," the GTA said.

The Gozo Tourism Association concluded by saying that, "Gozo's rich historical heritage depends on our ability to maintain our distinctiveness and unique identity. Maintaining our cultural and historical heritage is beyond any price."