Funds for Gozo NGOs and private entities to improve conference facilities

by Gozo News · June 15, 2020

A scheme has been launched which offers financial assistance to NGOs and private entities in Gozo to restore and upgrade venues, both in terms of site restoration and to make improvements in the systems audio-visual offering, with the capacity to host MICE events in Gozo.

Launched by Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri, he explained that this is aimed at their being able to host meetings, conferences and exhibitions.

He went on to say that in the budget for 2020 “we said that we must strengthen the capacity to host Gozo tourism categorised as Business Travel, and this is what we are doing today.”

Minister Camilleri explained that the scheme achieved two purposes. The first is to launch another niche tourism in Gozo, which is related to quality tourism. And secondly to assist and encourage eligible organisations to improve their product. To this end, projects are being incentivised to offer a seating-capacity of at least 150 people.

The Minister also explained that as some projects may be more extensive than others, the beneficiary may apply a phased project. The projects must have suitable facilities to be accessible to everyone. Grants offered are varied and eligible under the progress of the project:

NGOs can benefit from a maximum of €50,000 for the year 2020, where the Ministry will cover 50% of costs related to the works. Eligible projects are those that are already underway and those in application stage with the Planning Authority when and if necessary. Completed projects are not eligible.

Private entities can benefit from a maximum of €25,000 for the year 2020, where the Ministry will cover 50% of costs related to the works. Eligible projects are those that are already underway and those in application stage with the Planning Authority when and if necessary. Completed projects are not eligible.

The Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri concluded by saying that assistance such as this shows how this government is working to help NGOs and private bodies attract quality tourists to Gozo.