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Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has visited Gozo to see two major projects currently under way in Qala and Ghajnsielem.

Accompanied by Minister Giovanna Debono, Dr Gonzi first visited the works at the Institute for Tourism Studies complex in Qala.

A total of €1.5 million is being spent to set up a restaurant, bar, main kitchen, kitchen for training purposes, a reception area, classrooms, laundry, library and facilities for housekeeping and accommodation. This project will enable Gozitan workers and students to pursue a career in the tourism industry while benefiting from further quality training opportunities and a wider selection of courses.

To complement the project, Government is also offering a number of temporary courses in Xewkija, co-financed through the European Social Fund, which are available free of charge to Gozitans over 16 years of age. The courses are in food preparation and production, food and beverage service, housekeeping, bartending and customer care.

The Prime Minister also visited the construction works at the Winston Camilleri Gozo Centre for Arts and Crafts in Ghajnsielem and the setting up of the first Crafts Incubation Centre. This project, involving an €850,000 investment, will house additional classrooms, offices, exhibition space, and a number of workshops for local craftspeople who wish set up a business in crafts.

Eight crafts related courses were held earlier this year and more courses, provided under the European Social Fund, will be offered throughout the next academic year. Specialised equipment was also procured to assist in the delivery of the courses, enabling participants to undergo training with modern tools and facilities.

The two projects are being carried out through the Structural Funds Programme for Malta 2004-2006, under the European Regional Development Fund.

The Prime Minister said that the projects are evidence of Government’s commitment to maximise the island’s opportunities and potential to further improve Gozo as a whole.

The services sector, in its wide spectrum, incorporating tourism and crafts, is now being better exploited for the benefit of the island’s economic development. The projects are also enhancing the human resources element on the island, providing more facilities and courses for training not only for persons wishing to enter the job market but also for those already employed.

The Prime Minister added that the Government will be investing further in Gozo through a minimum of ten per cent of the EU budget allocated for Malta between 2007 and 2013, as well as further investment from the national budget, to continue boosting economic activity on Gozo, while preserving the island’s identity.

Minister Debono explained that the two projects form part of a series intended to improve the quality of the tourism product and services offered in Gozo. These projects were possible after Government decided to allocate ten per cent of EU funds for 2004 to 2006 to the island.