Bank of Valletta, and the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) in collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) and the Tourism and Sustainable Development Unit within the Office of the Prime Minister will be organising an EU Funding Information Session titled "Opportunities for Tourism Operators - Grant Scheme for Sustainable Tourism Projects by Enterprises"

This information session will be held at The Cettina Decesare Ballroom at the Intercontinental Hotel, St. Julian's, on Thursday 17th July 2008. Registration will commence at 08.30 a.m.

The objective of this conference is to promote the assistance available to Maltese tourism operators to further strengthen the local tourism product. Topics to be discussed during this information session include 'The Importance of SMEs within the Maltese Tourism Industry' and 'The Grant Scheme for Sustainable Tourism Projects by Enterprises proposed under the EU Structural Funds 2007-2013'.

The Tourism and Sustainable Development Unit applied for an allocation of €10 million for sustainable tourism projects by enterprises. Once approved, the Scheme Project will consist of public co-financing, made up of EU and Government funds, as well as the respective private co-financing from the beneficiary's end.

This session should be of particular interest to small, medium and large companies, Groups of Companies, Start-up Enterprises and Networks of Enterprises whose intention is that of implementing a project in the area of sustainable tourism.

For further details and bookings kindly contact MHRA on 2131 8133/4 or by email on mhra@onvol.net. Entrance to this event is free of charge.