More than Lm 40,000 (93,175 Euro) under the Gozo Attractions Incentive Scheme are being channelled towards eight Gozitan organisations that are benefiting from the scheme that was launched by the Government earlier this year.

The Government is financially supporting the organisation of cultural or entertainment events held in Gozo during the lean tourism months through the Ministry of Finance National Lotteries Good Causes Fund with the final aim being that of generating more incoming tourism to the island during the Winter season.

This was said yesterday during a presentation held by the Hon. Tonio Fenech, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and the Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo.

The Hon. Tonio Fenech said that it is Government's aim to support incoming tourism, both local and foreign during the Winter season such that the Gozitan Island generates its income from tourism all the year round. Mr. Fenech expressed his satisfaction of how events were organized in the first period of the year, and for the positive reactions received from those who attended the events. The Hon. Fenech said that Government will continue supporting these events, and intends to issue another call for applications in the coming weeks for proposals of events to be organized in 2008.

Minister Giovanna Debono said that the Gozo Attractions Incentive Scheme helps to improve Gozo's potential as a tourism destination specifically in the niche area of cultural and entertainment events since it serves as an added incentive to cultural organisations to invest in high quality events that would entice foreign and domestic tourism to the island during the shoulder period. Minister Debono said that Gozo already enjoys a quality reputation for events such as the annual operas held by the two theatres in Victoria, Carnival and other events such as Lejlet Lapsi Notte Gozitana. The scheme will be contributing for more such events to take place on the island, with Gozo targeting the establishment of a yearly cultural calendar that could be marketed overseas well in advance to strengthen the promotion of Gozo as a distinct tourism destination.