In its endeavours to assist the continuous development of Gozo as a tourist destination, particularly during the lean months, the Government launched various initiatives earlier this year aimed towards enhancing and promoting Gozo’s tourism product.

One of these initiatives is the ‘Gozo Attractions Incentive Scheme’ which involves the allocation of Lm40,000 from the National Lotteries Good Causes Fund.

The scheme is intended to support the Gozitan tourism sector by financially assisting the organisation of cultural and entertainment events which potentially attract more visitors to Gozo during the less popular months, from January to May and October to December.

Applicants eligible for this scheme include Gozitan Local Councils, non-governmental organisations and the private and public sectors who would like to organise events in Gozo during the specified months mentioned earlier.

Together with the application, organisers need to submit a detailed plan of the activity as well as a financial estimate of the expenditure and income relating to the same activity. The applications submitted are then examined by an adjudicating Board. Applicants that meet the criteria and that qualify for financial assistance through this scheme will be notified in writing. Funds will be distributed after the relative activity is held.

Interested parties may collect an application form from the Ministry for Gozo or download it from their website at www.gozo.gov. Completed applications for events to be held until December 2007 are to be returned to the Culture Office, Banca Giuratale, Independence Square, Victoria between 9.00am and 12.00pm on Friday 11th of May 2007. Late applications will automatically be disqualified.