Members of the Gozo Tourism Association (GTA) have paid a familiarisation visit to the new institute for tourism studies in Qala. This visit was coordinated through the collaboration of the Ministry for Gozo and the Parliamentary Secretariat for Tourism through the Malta Tourism Authority.
The main aim of this visit was that of introducing the new facilities being offered at this new training institute, within the tourism industry in Gozo. The main aim behind the project which was co-financed by EU funds was that of providing adequate and modern facilities for training in tourism studies to improve the Gozitan tourism product.
In fact, the construction of a training institute within the Tourism Industry in Gozo was one out of five projects that were co-financed through the European Fund for Regional Development under the Gozo Priority.
Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo explained how this project was one of those suggested, in the consultation held with stakeholders within the tourism sector, and how it was aimed at improving human resources skills and the quality of service in this sector.
Minister Debono also recalled how the tourism industry in Gozo benefited from other projects that were also co-financed from European funds and which also resulted in improving the tourism product on Gozo. She praised the initiative of the stakeholders involved in the sector, who availed themselves of opportunities offered through other schemes, which resulted in the improvement of tourism services provided by their establishments.
Several operators at the main tourist establishments on Gozo had the opportunity to become more aware of the new facilities which consist of classrooms, two kitchens and a restaurant, together with another section that can be used as a guesthouse. These facilities provide a basis for training related to several roles in the tourism sector such as front office, housekeeping, laundry, food preparation and the service of food, wine and other beverages. The students are also provided with basic academic training as well as that related to the subject.
During this activity, one of the trainers at this institute, who was also a student at the ITS, delivered a presentation. Two representatives from the Malta Tourism Authority gave information related to several schemes and projects co-financed through European funds. These schemes are intended to offer more opportunities for the improvement and assistance within the tourism sector in Malta as well as in Gozo.