Ms Caroline Veranneman, a shift leader at HOG cafeteria in Victoria, has won the Gozo Tourism Worker of the Year Award 2024.

The Gozo Tourism Association’s ceremony for the fifteenth edition of the Gozo Tourism Awards took place this week.

These Awards were bestowed to the Gozo Tourism Worker of the Year, the Gozo Tourism Investment and Entrepreneurship Award and the Gozo Business Niche Tourism Achievement Award and the Gozo Cultural Niche Tourism Achievement Award.

This year’s Gozo Tourism Entrepreneurship Award 2024, was won by Ms Alda Bugeja of Gozo Weaving and Creations.

The winner of the Gozo Business Niche Achievement Tourism Award 2024 was awarded to Ms Leanne Meilak of Taste of Gozo, whilst the Gozo Cultural Niche Achievement Award 2024 was won by the Aurora International Folk Festival of the Leone Philharmonic Society.

The winners were officially announced by Dr. Alfred Grech, LLD. MAG.Jur, Chairman of the adjudicating board which also included, Ms. Naomi Macdonald, Mr. Peter DeCourcy, and Mr. Godfrey Swain.

The Gozo Tourism Association Council also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in Tourism to the late Mr. Frank Magro of the Mariblu Guest House and Barbarossa Excursions for his investment and achievements in the tourism sector along the years, which contributed towards job creation and economic growth on Gozo.

The Special Recognition Award in Tourism was awarded to Mr Amand Veranneman, whilst the Gozo Tourism Commitment Award this year was conferred to the Directorate for Tourism and Economic Development within the Ministry for Gozo and Planning.

The GTA said that the main objectives of these awards are to acknowledge, commend, encourage and thank all the workers, Entrepreneurs and Entities who distinguish themselves in the performance of their duties and activities in the vital touristic industry in Gozo.

The awards were presented to the respective winners by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Dr Ian Borg, Clint Camilleri, Minister for Gozo and Planning, Mr. Carlo Micallef CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority, and Mr. Paul Scicluna Chairman GTA.

In his opening address, Deputy Prime Minister Borg commended the Association for organising the Awards, an opportunity to highlight the efforts of individuals and companies to make Gozo a world-class tourism destination. He reminded that the latest statistics show that in recent years, international visitors to Gozo increased by 28.6%. International tourist bed nights also surged by 20%.

“Gozo is rapidly establishing itself as a prime destination for quality tourism, where visitors are drawn by the authentic experiences it offers. The upward trajectory in expenditure per capita and per night among both international and domestic tourists is a clear indicator of this shift toward quality tourism. The Government is determined to spearhead this transition. We are working to support the industry in refining Malta and Gozo’s tourism product. Together, we can achieve more. Together we can foster a more resilient, more sustainable industry, one that can truly benefit all stakeholders,” Borg affirmed.

Minister Clint Camilleri in his concluding address mentioned the importance of the human resources in the tourism sector, whilst emphasising the commitment of his Ministry towards the enhancement of the Gozitan touristic offer with the ongoing projects, as well as with the all-year-round cultural calendar.

He also highlighted the increases in tourist arrivals in Gozo during the past year. Whilst congratulating all the winners and nominees he thanked and augured all the workers and the Entrepreneurs in the Gozitan Tourism Industry.

The numerous guests present were also addressed by, Mr. Carlo Micallef, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority and Mr. Paul Scicluna Chairman of the Gozo Tourism Association.

Photos: GTA

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