Tiny historic Mediterranean green paradise named top 100 sustainable destination

Tiny green Gozo is packed full of environmental beauty, history and culture – now it’s in the 2016 Global Sustainable Destinations Top 100

Gozo (one of Malta’s islands) is tiny.  But although the island has a surface of just 67 square kilometers, it is packed full of wonders. With its unspoiled nature, cultural and historical sites and numerous annual festivals it is a fabulous twinkling gem of a destination for visitors.

If you’re looking for a green island with its own local identity and plenty to see and do, Gozo is a perfect place to visit. The beautiful bays, the green hills and the impressive rock formations all give the island its unique beauty.

Plus, the island boasts 7000 years of history, including a rare UNESCO World Heritage site – the oldest free-standing megalithic temples, the Ggantija (or giant’s temple) Temples on the Xaghra plateau.  The recently restored Citadella, the old fortified town overlooking the entire island, continues to enrich the cultural heritage of this impressive island.

Anyone who sets foot there is captured by the raw beauty and the authenticity that places elsewhere have often lost.

The island is determined to pursue a sustainable tourism policy to preserve and enhance its glorious environment and use it for the benefit of its community.

To preserve its  natural and cultural heritage, Gozo has consistently focused on expanding its tourism product to the whole island.  This has helped its local communities.  The island’s accomodation offer includes four and five star hotels and boutique accommodation, however it  principally consists of self-catering units in coastal areas and villages.

Gozo also promotes a number of tourism niche offers which are sustainable and which provide added value to the community.  Moreover the island is renowned for its all year round cultural calendar that is proudly organised by the local people through voluntary initiatives.

Through its ecoGozo initiative the Ministry for Gozo has also conducted actions focusing on the conservation and preservation of its natural environment.  Gozo’s efforts have been consistently recognised among the international community as it was awarded the Quality Coast Gold Award in 2012 and 2016.  In 2016Gozo also featured among the Top 100 Global Sustainable Destinations.

Local food and wine in this warm culture are also very important and are an integral part of the sustainable tourism offer. The Ministry for Gozo has also undertaken many initiatives to promote local artisans and producers and supports specific festivals including a Farm to Fork Festival held every June. Next step is a quality mark brand for Gozo products which will benefit both local artisans and visitors who want an authentic taste of this beautiful island.

http://greendestinations.info/top100-2016/?dest=gozo

http://www.ecogozo.com

https://www.visitgozo.com/

Valere Tjolle

@ValereTjolle