3 May 2007 Rating 48% No Comment  

Construction works at the new Institute of Tourism Studies in Qala, Gozo, are now in their final stages and a substantial part of the finishing works have already been completed. The Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo, visited the new premises while works were in progress yesterday. This project was one of the infrastructural projects for Gozo identified by the Ministry for Gozo to benefit from the EU Structural Funds Programme for Malta 2004-2006. In fact, 75% of a total investment of €1.3m are being funded through the European Union's European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Minister Debono visited the newly constructed training facility which lies on one floor and that incorporates all the elements of a hotel together with relative training facilities essential in such an educational institution. A large central courtyard leads to the main entrance that will be equipped with a reception area that leads to spacious classrooms and an administration area. Surrounding the central courtyard there are ten bedrooms equipped with ensuite facilities on one side, while on the opposite side there are the restaurant and bar facilities. The restaurant leads to the main kitchen and a state-of-the-art training kitchen that will include separate working stations for a number of students together with their instructor, complete with food storage space, a cold room and a separate linen store. The layout also projects for two water reservoirs, an electricity substation, Laundry and Bed Linen storage facilities together with a lift and other facilities for persons with special needs. This project involved the demolition of the previous Institute for Tourism Studies premises which had been used since 1989. The original plans of the newly constructed training facility were amended in order for the front portico to be retained. The first phase of works started in mid-March 2006 and included the demolition of the previous building, excavation works and construction of the new premises. Almost all construction works are ready, except for minor works related with the connection of the new block with the front portico. The second phase included the installation of mechanical and electrical services which is in a very advanced stage. Currently, finishing works in connection with plastering, painting and tile-laying are underway. This will be followed by the installation of appropriate furnishings and other finishing works, the tenders of which have already been allocated. The final phase will include the supply and installation of kitchen and IT equipment. Relative tenders for the supply, delivery, installation of the kitchen equipment were issued last week. During the site visit this morning, Minister Debono said that the Ministry for Gozo acknowledges the importance of tourism as a vital industry for the economic development of the island of Gozo and has worked hand in hand with the stakeholders involved in order to sustain and improve Gozo's potential as a high quality distinct destination. The main purpose behind the establishment of this first-of-its-kind project in Gozo is that of providing the necessary infrastructure and facilities for quality training in tourism-related services in Gozo, both to those currently employed in the tourism sector as well as for others who plan to pursue a career in the hospitality industry. This project will serve to improve the quality of the service offered by staff in tourism outlets, thereby enhancing the experience that visitors have while holidaying on the island. Minister Debono also remarked that significant improvements have been noted in the industry during recent years with Gozo as a tourism destination increasingly appealing to the domestic market which has seen increases from year to year. The Ministry for Gozo embarked on a plan to improve Gozo's tourism product on offer by investing in the island's infrastructure, attractions and the promotion of Gozo as a distinct all-year destination. Minister Debono referred to the organisation of Lejlet Lapsi Notte Gozitana, to be held by the Ministry for Gozo and the Ministry for Tourism and Culture, that will serve as an added attraction this month for local and foreign visitors to Gozo. This event together with other off-peak cultural or entertainment events that will benefit from the new Gozo Attractions Incentive Scheme launched by Government earlier on, will serve to again enhance the product that the island of Gozo offers to its visitors.