During a conference organised by the Institute of Tourism Studies, the Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, said that the tourism and employment industry in Gozo are two important strategical elements for our island.

During this conference, the new Hospitality Europass was set-up. This incorporates new criteria and defines which qualifications are needed for the offering of hospitality programmes. This is the European qualification and competence system and assures transparency and recognition.

During her closing speech, the Minister for Gozo said that the Maltese Government has a vision of Malta being a centre of excellence until the year 2015 in both economic and social activity – this to include the sectors of Information Technology and Communication, Health, Tourism, the Manufacturing Industry, Financial Services, the vision of Gozo as an eco-island, and the education sector.

Minister Debono insisted that Gozo needs more qualified people to see this goal become a reality, especially with regards to Gozo as an eco-island. The Minister for Gozo stressed that while it is important that Gozo becomes a centre of excellence and that more opportunities evolved to better the quality of life of it’s inhabitants, it is equally important that the pressure made on the environment and culture is kept to a minimum, more sustainable jobs are created, more quality investments are brought to the island and the unique identity of the island is promoted.

Refering to the sector of tourism, Minister Debono said that this year there was an increase in tourism in both the domestic and foreign markets. Minister Debono also said that the Institute for Tourism Studies is to have an important role in the preparation of students studying to partake in this industry since in the future they will be facing the challenges brought on by a globalised economy.

Minister Debono also said that the newly built Institute for Tourism Studies is now operating and only last week opened its doors to new students. This institute was built with European Union funds and is to be a boost to the tourism sector in Gozo, a sector which is one of the main pillars of the Gozitan economy.

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