Air Malta has said that it continues to be the driving force behind the increases in tourism arrivals registered this year, contributing 57% of the 77,000 additional passengers who have flown to Malta in the first six months of the year. The estimates released recently by the National Statistics Office show that inbound tourists for the first half of the year increased by 15% to 577,313 over the same period last year. 57% of this increase was directly contributed by Air Malta that also transported 15% more inbound passengers than the previous year during the first two quarters of this year. In June 2008 Air Malta continued to register the same double digit growth recorded over the last eight months. Traffic in June increased by 13% (17% if ... Read more...

'The agricultural industry gives a strong contribution towards the conservation of the natural and rural aspect at Gozo.' This was emphasised by the Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, during the presentation of prizes to farmers and breeders who exhibited their products during this year's agriculture and crafts exhibition, which has been held since 1855 by the Gozo Agriculture, Industrial and Cultural Society. Minister Debono welcomed the various initiatives of Gozitan farmers and breeders who benefited from this opportunity granted through Malta's accession to the EU. This initiative provided a number of farmers and breeders with an opportunity to upgrade the facilities in their fields and farms, resulting in a better Gozitan agricultural product. This applies in particular to the viticultural sector, ... Read more...

"The attempt by Government to put pressure on AD Secretary General Victor Galea to renounce his job as a teacher with the Government service because of his voluntary, unpaid political role with AD smacks of intimidation and political discrimination. I appeal to Government to withdraw this absurd action immediately" said Arnold Cassola, AD chairperson, who was reacting to correspondence received by Victor Galea from the Office of the Prime Minister when he was told that he was not able to continue working as a teacher with the Government service and retain his voluntary, unpaid role as AD Secretary General. Stephen Cachia , Deputy Chairperson, said, " I would like to express AD's strong solidarity, as well as my own personal solidarity, with ... Read more...

In his Opinion piece in yesterday's Times Lino Spiteri focus on the discrimination to which Victor Galea Secretary General of AD-The Maltese Green Party is being subjected. In the Civil Service there are a multitude of contradictory rules relative to the political involvement of civil servants. It is about time that these contradictions are weeded out the soonest. It is also about time that we realise once and for all that given the small number of those willing to take part in public life we cannot afford to retain obstacles for those willing and able to involve themselves. In seems that in this country once rules are drafted they are ignored by the PN and the MLP until such time as an outside dares ... Read more...

Victoria Local Council have recently put forward their proposals to the Minister of Finance for the rehabilitation of the historic quarters of Victoria. The proposals are shown below: Proposition - Making the historic quarters of Rabat, Gozo, more attractive and more accessible in the best interest of all concerned, be it the resident, the tourist or the commercial outlet. Insertion / addition - Chapter 10 (Gozo), sub-measure 'Tourism' Rationale - The Overall objective is to make Old Rabat and therefore Gozo a more competitive destination by attracting more high-yield, culture-oriented domestic and overseas tourists visit Gozo and Rabat, that they stay longer, spend more and return more often, thus enabling sustainable growth of the tourism industry. The most appropriate and effective way ... Read more...

This weeks 19th of August edition of The Maltese Herald Gozo section is now available for download by clicking here. Previous editions are also available by clicking on this link. The stories covered in this weeks issue are: 1. PATHWAYS - AN ART EXHIBITION at Art.. e Gallery in Library Street, Victoria Gozo, showing works by Carmel Cachia. 2. The Government is embarking on an ambitious project which, in the coming five to seven year period, will see the execution of extensive consolidation and restoration works at the Cittadella. 3. The Gozo Youth Orchestra has organised the concert Opera vs Pop Under the Stars, complemented by an exhibition of art works by Gozitan artist Paul A. Stellini, at the Ministry for Gozo courtyard in Victoria. 4. ... Read more...

Maltese and Gozitan traditional feasts are a source of cultural pride. They are centuries old and have been passed on for generations and each of them has its own distinctive nature. I love feasts and attend as many as I can to be part of the vibrant celebrations that are generated from many hearts that bind together to give honour to their patron saint. People in each town and village all come together as one on this very special day to generously express their love and admiration for God and his servants and martyrs. Being there one can witness the fruit of love the people have produced on this special occasion, especially coming from the volunteers in each sector from hard work to desk jobs such ... Read more...

Enemalta have advised that there will be power suspensions in Xaghra tomorrow, Wednesday the 20th of August, between the hours of 8.00am and 12.00pm. The following areas will be affected by these scheduled power suspensions: Triq 28 ta' April 1688, Triq Bayer John Otto, Triq Camilleri Frangisk, Triq Farrugia Mikiel, Triq Isqof Ruzar Farrugia, Triq Grech Guzeppi, Triq L-Imqades, Triq Marija Bambina, Triq il-Mithna, Vjal 8 Ta' Settembru, Triq it-Tigrija, Pjazza Vittorja and Triq Gorg Cini.