The Gozo Tourism Association held its 15th Annual General Meeting on Friday, at the Vini e Caprici complex in Xewkija, Gozo.

The Agenda of the Annual General meeting, included an address by the Chairman of the Association, Mr Paul Scicluna, the Administrative report by the Chief Executive Officer , Mr Joe Muscat, and the Financial report by the Treasurer, Mr Joe Muscat Sammut. The meeting was also addressed by the Minister for Gozo, Dr. Anton Refalo, Mr. Karmenu Vella , Minister for Tourism and Mr. Robert Arrigo, Opposition Spokesman for Tourism.

Dr. Joseph Xuereb, Director of Savina Clinics Dental and Implantology, gave members present an overview on his business experience in the Health and Wellness niche.

In his opening address the GTA Chairman Mr, Paul Scicluna said that during 2013, Gozo experienced an increase on the tourist arrivals on 2012. Mr Scicluna stressed the fact that the authorities concerned need to address the particular challenges faced by the Gozitan tourism sector particularly in strenghtening tourism niches and specialised niches that can attract more tourists in the lean and shoulder months as well as opening horizons to other markets.

In his welcome speech, Mr Scicluna mentioned accessibility to the Island and he stated that GTA is in favour of more accessibility especially by an airlink, as well as incentive schemes for the Domestic market, and the upkeep of the Tourism Product.

The GTA chairman stated that the Association will continue with its lobby for the collating of accommodation statistics for the selfcatering accommodation sector on Gozo. Mr. Scicluna stated that the regionality and rurality of Gozo should be taken into consideration when schemes for touristic improvements are launched.

The GTA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Joe Muscat delivered a presentation on the administration of the Association during 2013. He gave an overview of the Gozitan touristic performance during last year. During his presentation Mr Muscat gave a detailed report of the work and initiatives undertaken by the Association during the course of the past year 2013.

Nationalist Party Spokesman for Tourism Mr. Robert Arrigo also addressed the AGM and said that this is the first opportunity for him to address the Annual General Meeting of the Gozo Tourism Association.

He attributed the fact that the numbers in tourism both in Malta and in Gozo are increasing is due to sound foundation laid in previous years. However he stressed that no divide exists between Government and Opposition with regards to tourism.

The conference was also addressed by the Minister for Tourism, Karmenu Vella. Whilst acknowledging the work being carried out by the Gozo Tourism Association, he stated that his Ministry will soon be publishing a Tourism Policy for Gozo, which will give direction to the way forward to the Tourism industry on Gozo.

The Minister for Gozo, Dr. Anton Refalo, stated that, the Ministry for Gozo is giving its full support to the GTA. Minister Refalo said that the consultation between his Ministry and the Gozo Tourism Association is an ongoing exercise, resulting in synergized efforts by all stakeholders toward a common tourism agenda for the benefit of the socio economic development of Gozo.

During this AGM the GTA council for 2014 was formed and is made up of the following members: Borg Monica (Hotel ta’ Cenc), Busuttil Mark (St. Andrews Divers Cove), Caruana Brian (Cornocopia Hotel) Cassar Chris (Porto Vecchio Restaurant), Gatt Ludgard (Tamarisk Properties) , Hormigo Alberto (Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz), Loporto Mario (Gozo Village Holidays), Meilak Brian (Baron Group), Mercieca Joseph (Country Terrace Restaurant) Muscat Sammut Joseph (Down Town Hotel), Rapa Joe (Ta Salvina Restaurant), Scicluna Paul (Gozo Farmhouses), Spiteri Pauline(Mario’s Rent a car) Spiteri Philip (Il-kartell Restaurant), and Veranneman Amand (Chez Amand).

Other distinguished guests present for the Annual General Meeting, included, Dr. Gavin Gulia Chairman MTA, Mr. Josef Formosa Gauci, MTA CEO, Ms. Esther Bajada, Director Tourism and Economic Development MGO, Ms. Christine Vella Head MTA Gozo Office, Mr. Marcel Bonnici Manager Gozo & Malta Northern Region ETC, Mr. Paul Bugeja MHRA President, Mr. Michael Grech GBC President, Mr. Joe Cordina, Chairman of Gozo Channel, Ministry for Gozo and Malta Tourism Authority officials, other guests and GTA members from the various sectors of the Gozitan Tourism Industry.

Permalink: Authorities need to address challenges faced by Gozitan tourism sector – GTA