The Careers in Tourism Week is to be held in Gozo over the coming week. This activity is being organised through the initiative of the Gozo Tourism Association together with the Malta Tourism Authority. The programme of activities was planned over five days from Tuesday, the 21st to Sunday, the 26th of April 2009 and is being held under the auspices of the Ministry for Gozo and the Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism within the Office of the Prime Minister.

Details about the Careers in Tourism Week were given during a press conference held at the new institute for tourism studies in Qala, which was addressed by the Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono and the Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Dr Mario De Marco. The main aim for which this activity is being organised is that of increasing awareness regarding work opportunities available in this sector. Above all it aims to increase interest amongst young students to more seriously consider starting a career in the tourism sector. In order to reach these objectives, students attending secondary schools in Gozo, as well as teachers and parents will be involved.

Whilst addressing the conference, Minister Giovanna Debono explained how Gozo has been acknowledged as a distinct tourist destination and how this distinction is reflected in the Gozitan touristic product. The Ministry for Gozo has maintained continuous contact with stakeholders involved in the sector. This consultation resulted in the improvement of services as well as the Gozitan tourism product through various projects that were effected. She praised the Gozo Tourism Association’s endeavours, whilst stating that this new institute was built specifically to directly address the quality of the training given to human resources who choose to work in this sector.

“The facilities offered at this new institute, which will be inaugurated in a few weeks time, will provide added tools with which the Gozitan tourism product will continue to be improved,” Minister Debono added.

The Minister for Gozo explained how tourism generates 10% of the employment on Gozo. However it also generates a wider economic activity through its ripple effect, since it affects other sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, transport and other commercial establishment services.

During the press conference, the Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Dr Mario de Marco said that human resources are crucial in any sector, but especially in tourism, and that this factor can affect the level of service given by the tourism establishments in Gozo.

“It was for this, that the government built the Institute for Tourism Studies in Gozo, so that the tourism sector on the island of Gozo will continue to improve on what has already been attained during the past years. The Industry Human Resources Development Unit within the MTA is responsible for the Development of Human resources within this industry. Thus the Authority will not only be responsible for enforcement but will itself promote the necessity of further training within this sector.”

He concluded that in the context of the present international crisis, although travelling tendencies are changing, the tourist will still expect the highest level of service possible. “This can only be delivered if the human resources in the industry are motivated and take up their responsabilities with dedication”, said Dr de Marco.

The programme of activities will be launched with a conference, which will be held on Tuesday 21st April at the ITS in Qala Gozo. During this conference, themes related specifically to the tourism sector in Gozo will be discussed. This conference will be attended by stakeholders involved in this sector, that is so vital for the economy of the island. Between Wednesday and Friday, ‘trails’ will be organised for groups of students, to visiting locations connected with the tourism sector such as tourist attractions, agro-tourism locations, catering and accomodation establishments including hotels.

On Sunday 26th, the ITS Qala will open its doors during an open day where parents as welll as other interested persons may accompany the students in order to see for themselves the new facilities and perhaps savour some of the delicacies prepared by the students currently following courses at the Institute.