In his opening address at the 21st Gozo Tourism Association’s AGM, Chairman Mr Paul Scicluna emphasised the need to keep on improving every type of connectivity to the island, stating that the GTA is in favour of more connectivity especially by the introduction of an airlink.

Mr Scicluna went on to say that tourist arrivals on Gozo are increasing, however a noticeable shift in the type of accommodation is being noted year on year.

Finally, he also stressed the need for upgrading the tourism establishments product in order to keep maintaining a sustainable tourism industry on Gozo.

Mr Joe Muscat, the GTA’s Chief Executive Officer, then delivered an audio visual presentation on the performance of the Association during 2019. He gave an overview of the Gozitan touristic performance during last year, as well as a detailed report of the work and initiatives undertaken by the Association during the course of the past year 2019, during which the Association was also marking its 20th anniversary.

The GTA’s financial report was given by the Treasurer, Mr Joe Muscat Sammut.

The meeting was also addressed by the Minister for Tourism Julia Farrugia Portelli, Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri, and Gozitan MEP Dr. Josiane Cutajar.

During her address to members present the Minister for Tourism mentioned the positive tourism performance of Gozo during these last years, while stressing the need of a sustainable growth.

Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli informed the audience how the Ministry for Tourism and Consumer Protection is continuously monitoring the latest developments in relation to the spread of the coronavirus and invited the GTA to nominate its representative, for the new Committee announced on Thursday.

Whilst thanking GTA for its endeavours, the Tourism Minister augured more synergised efforts between the Ministry of Tourism and the Gozo Tourism Association.

The Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri, stated that the numbers of tourist arrivals needs to be complimented with events on Gozo, something which the Ministry for Gozo is delivering on regular basis, he said.

He also stressed that the tourism industry on Gozo needs to be sustained by the ongoing upkeep of the touristic product.

Whilst auguring more achievements to the GTA, Minister Camilleri stressed that all stakeholders need to continue delivering in a synergised approach for the benefit of Gozitan tourism.

Other distinguished guests present for the Annual General Meeting included, The Opposition spokesperson for Gozo Dr Chris Said, MTA Chairman Dr. Gavin Gulia, MTA CEO Mr. Johann Buttigieg, Mr. John Borg, Permanent Secretary at the Gozo Ministry, Mr. Ronald Mizzi Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Ronald Sultana Director Tourism & Economic Development at Ministry for Gozo, Mr. Paul Bugeja, CEO Malta MedAir, officials from the Ministry for Gozo, as well as Malta Tourism Authority officials, other guests and GTA members from the various sectors of the Gozitan Tourism Industry.

During this AGM the GTA Council for 2020 was formed and is made up of the following members: Azzopardi Karl (Cesca Boutique Hotel), Borg Marvic (Gozo Breaks Ltd), Busuttil Mark (St. Andrews Divers Cove), Gatt Ludgard (Tamarisk Properties), Loporto Mario (Gozo Village Holidays), Magro Frankie (Mariblu Guesthouse), Mercieca Joseph (Country Terrace Restaurant) Muscat Sammut Joseph (Down Town Hotel), Rapa Joe (Ta’ Salvina Restaurant), Scicluna Konrad (Links Travel) Scicluna Paul (Gozo Farmhouses), Spiteri Pauline (Mario’s Rent a car), Tonna Adrian (Kempinski San Lawrenz) and Veranneman Amand (Dalia Real Estate).

Photo: GTA

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