Trevor Portelli, Culinary Director at the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, has been presented with the Gozo Tourism Worker of the Year Award 2025, during the Gozo Tourism Association’s sixteenth edition of the Gozo Tourism Awards.

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

Nigel Tabone, the Head Chef at Ta’ Vestru Restaurant won the Gozo Young Tourism Worker of the Year Award 2025.

This year’s Gozo Tourism Entrepreneurship Award 2025 was won by Andre Refalo of l-Eremita Boutique Hotel.

The Gozo Business Niche Achievement Tourism Award 2025 was awarded to Chris Vermaak of Kayak Gozo, whilst the Gozo Cultural Niche Achievement Award 2025 was won by the Dwejra Tower managed by Din l-Art Helwa.The winners were officially announced by Rebecca Bonnici, Chairperson of the adjudicating board which also included, Naomi Macdonald and Ronald Sultana, the Director for Tourism within the Ministry for Gozo and Planning.

The Gozo Tourism Association Council also awarded the Lifetime Achievement in Tourism Award to Abraham Said, for his investment and achievements in the tourism sector over the years, which continue to contribute towards job creation and economic growth on Gozo.

The Special Recognition Award in Tourism was jointly awarded to Alfio Rapa and Renato Rapa, whilst the Gozo Tourism Commitment Award this year was conferred to the Gozo Highspeed Limited.

These awards were presented to the respective winners by Dr Charles Mangion, Chairman of the Malta Tourism Authority, Mario Borg, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, and Paul Scicluna, Chairman of the GTA.

The GTA explained 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.

In his opening address, the Chairman of the Gozo Tourism Association emphasised the importance of human resources to the Gozitan tourism sector, noting that one of the main purposes of these awards is to retain, encourage, and attract workers to this vital economic industry.

He also highlighted the crucial role entrepreneurs play in sustaining a vibrant sector and expressed solidarity with establishments that suffered damage during Storm Harry.

The concluding address was delivered on behalf of the Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri, by Ronald Sultana, Director for Tourism and Economic Development. In his remarks the Minister highlighted the year?on?year increase in tourist arrivals to Gozo, noting particularly encouraging double-digit growth during the winter and shoulder months.

Supported by a robust, year-round cultural calendar, these gains indicate that seasonality is being steadily mitigated. The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to the island’s tourism sector, congratulated all winners and nominees, and expressed his gratitude and encouragement to the workers and entrepreneurs who drive the Gozitan tourism industry.

The numerous guests present were also addressed by Dr Charles Mangion, Chairman of the Malta Tourism Authority.

Photos: GTA

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