The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry for Gozo are once again launching the Gozo Attractions Incentive Scheme intended to assist entities in the organisation of cultural or entertaining events to be held on the island during the lean tourism months and thus to enhance the Gozo tourism product.

The scheme is available through the allocation of funds from the National Lotteries Good Causes Fund. It was first offered earlier this year with 8 organisations receiving financial sponsorship. It is being offered once again for the events to be organised during 2008 after the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr Lawrence Gonzi announced the allocation of Lm40,000 for this aim in Budget 2008 as part of twenty strategic measures for Gozo.

Government is inviting Gozitan Local Councils, non-governmental organisations and the private and public sectors to submit their proposals for events that potentially serve to attract more visitors to the island between the months of January-May and October-December 2008. Application forms may be collected from the Ministry for Gozo or downloaded from the website www.gozo.gov and should be returned duly filled-in by Friday 14 December at 12.00pm (noon) to the Culture Office, Banca Giuratale, Independence Square, Victoria. Late applications will automatically be disqualified.

Together with the application form, organisers should submit a detailed Business Plan for the activity. The applications submitted will be examined by an adjudicating Board and successful applicants will be notified in writing.