Giovanni Origo questions whether Gibraltar offers the youth a future

In his budget speech, the Shadow Minister for Youth, Tourism, the Environment and Transport acknowledged that progress had been made in some areas, but said the Government must now focus on delivering solutions and taking advantage of the opportunities ahead.

And, the youngest member of the House, Giovanni Origo spoke of youth, asking if Gibraltar offered them a future.

On tourism, Mr Origo questioned when a Tourism Strategy would be published, saying the sector requires a clear roadmap. However, he acknowledged progress on plans for the new cruise terminal.

He said the continued recovery in visitor numbers was welcomed, although the challenge was not only attracting visitors, but ensuring they contribute more to the economy.

He linked this to transport and the role it plays in supporting tourism, saying Gibraltar should become a destination where visitors choose to stay longer, spend more, and leave having experienced the best of what it has to offer. 

Turning to environment, the GSD MP welcomed progress on the wastewater treatment plant, but questioned why it had taken so long to get to this point. He raised concerns about the impact of over-development, as well as renewable energy and sustainable transport.

The Shadow Minister concluded his speech by saying that the Government's challenge was not in identifying problems, but delivering solutions.