“That which has been achieved for Gozo’s tourism industry during the past ten years, has surely made a difference and brought about improvements in Gozo’s touristic product as well as in the way this sector is being managed.” This was stated by the Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, during her address at the annual General meeting organised by the Gozo Tourism Association (GTA) in one of the main hotels on Gozo.

The GTA was established ten years ago, through the initiative of the Ministry for Gozo. Since then it has become recognised as the main representative of Gozo’s tourism sector. The association holds members who operate in various fields within this sector, such as accommodation establishments, bars and restaurants, transport, diving and other general tourist services. The association organises an annual general meeting, during which members are given a detailed report on the association’s performance during the past year. Members for the new council, that will lead the association throughout the coming year, are also elected at the annual general meeting.

Minister Debono said that the establishment of the GTA was an initiative that proved the Ministry for Gozo’s commitment to address the particular needs of Gozo’s tourism industry, which is a main economic pillar for the island. The collaboration between the Ministry for Gozo and the stakeholders involved throughout these years, has managed to address particular challenges for this sector, such as seasonality and the promotion of Gozo as a distinct destination. This has given positive results both from the foreign market as well as in the development of the domestic market.

In the present international economic scenario, it is important that all those involved join forces in order that the industry would be in a position to face the challenges caused by this situation.

Results achieved throughout 2008 kept abreast with those achieved during 2007. It must however be noted that 2007 was a particularly successful year during which very positive results were attained. The Minister for Gozo also remarked that the Government’s vision of making Gozo an ecological island would also prove beneficial for Gozo’s tourism industry. This will also enhance Gozo’s tourism product and thus it is important that tourism operators on the island also upgrade their products. She urged all Gozitan stakeholders to avail themselves from the Grant Scheme for Sustainable Tourism Projects which was launched recently. Thus Gozitan operators will also have the opportunity to benefit from the €10 million being allocated towards this scheme, which aims to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of our country’s tourism product.

Members present at the meeting were also addressed by the President of the GTA Mr Paul Scicluna as well as by Mr Joe Muscat, General Secretary. Other speakers included Mr Frank Farrugia from MTA’s Enforcement Unit, Mr Paul Miruzzi, Director General Government Property Division, together with Mr Raphael Axiaq, architect within MEPA offices in Gozo.