The Project

The Maltese market offer optimal conditions to learn and further more practice scuba diving. The marine life, particularly the underwater geomorphology with sheer drop-offs and caves offer interesting attractions to divers as well as the number of wrecks from the Second World War.

The diving sector is one of the most important markets in the development of Gozitan economy in reaching the overall overarching economic, financial and employment objectives set out by the Maltese Government.

Three particular factors which have a very important bearing on the number as well as quality of diving tourists visiting Malta and Gozo are:

• The underwater attractions available at various sites in Gozo.
  It is highly interesting to note that divers look for different experiences and challenges in order to satisfy their personal diving needs. Research has shown that among the main attractions, divers look for wrecks which offer a unique experience within a controlled environment and with minimal risk.
• The availability of diving facilities including in particular the availability of a decompression chamber.
  It is estimated that some 34% of diving accidents leading to decompression sickness had occurred in Gozo and nearby Comino. Whenever such accidents have occurred, the victim had to be transferred to Malta via helicopter to receive treatment at Malta’s General Hospital. Undoubtedly, in meeting the goal of increasing the number of divers in Gozo, the purchase, installation as well as operation and availability of a decompression chamber in Gozo, is a great asset.
• Constant publicity and a strategic marketing campaign.
  A strong publicity campaign and a comprehensive marketing strategy is imperative in the efforts towards increasing the number of divers together with family and friends to the island of Gozo. The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), normally promotes Malta and Gozo as one product. The promotion of the project will complement the existing efforts carried out by MTA.