Gozo Leads as a Sustainable, Eco-Tourism Destination with SmartFlowers
With its terraced landscapes, heritage villages, and dramatic coastlines, the Island of Gozo attracts travelers seeking nature, wellness, authenticity, and local craft. To reinforce its identity as a forward-thinking eco-tourism destination, the Gozo Multi-Modal Hub in Ta’Xhajma, Malta launched a grand initiative: the installation of fifteen SmartFlowers.
This represents one of the largest installations in Europe. The clean energy will support lighting and charging needs of the electric bus fleet servicing the hub, as well as the Park & Ride facility between Mġarr Harbour and the hub.
Placed strategically at the hub, the SmartFlowers created a unified sustainability narrative across Gozo; visitors see sustainability in action the moment they arrive.
Each SmartFlower serves as:
- A public sustainability beacon
- A photogenic, shareable visual icon for social media and tourism promotion
- A conversation piece that links innovation with Gozo’s natural beauty
This installation “demonstrates how modern technology can be applied in a practical way to improve the quality of life and build a greener more resilient economy,” stated Minister for Gozo and Planning of Malta Clint Camilleri.
The SmartFlower initiative aligns with Gozo’s strategic goals to:
- Attract environmentally conscious travelers
- Reduce the island’s carbon footprint
- Promote Gozo as a destination where nature and innovation coexist
- Showcase commitment to Malta’s Vision 2050 climate targets
- Differentiate Gozo from mass-market tourist islands competing on price, not values
The SmartFlowers position Gozo and Malta on the global map as pioneers in renewable energy practices and as models for other countries building a more sustainable future with renewable energy. Camilleri explained, “By installing these [SmartFlowers] in Europe, we show how Gozo can be a model for sustainable innovation.” The project has generated significant public attention, demonstrating how symbolic sustainability projects like this can attract positive attention, reinforce one’s reputation as a leader in sustainability practices, and inspire others to follow suit.
By visibly integrating the units within public infrastructure, Gozo reinforces its image as a sustainable and innovative destination, as well as enhances its international visibility and appeal to environmentally conscious visitors. For the Island of Gozo and for Malta, this project is not just an energy infrastructure upgrade, but also a bold statement on the future of clean energy, mobility and sustainable development.
