Gozo Tourism Association holds 21st AGM

The Gozo Tourism Association held its 21st Annual General Meeting last week, at Vini & Capricci Xewkija Gozo.

The Agenda of the annual general meeting, included an address by the Chairman of the Association, Paul Scicluna, the Administrative report by the Chief Executive Officer, Joe Muscat, and the Financial report by the Treasurer, Joe Muscat Sammut.

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

In his opening address Scicluna emphasised the need to keep on improving every type of connectivity to the Island and he stated that GTA is in favour of more connectivity especially by the introduction of an airlink.

Scicluna stated 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 of upgrading the tourism establishments product in order to keep maintaining a sustainable tourism industry on Gozo.

Muscat 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. During his presentation Muscat gave 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

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.

Farrugia Portelli said the Ministry for Tourism and Consumer Protection was continuously monitoring the latest developments in relation to the spread of the coronavirus.

She said that a high-Level Working Committee within the Ministry will start meeting regularly as deemed necessary and invited GTA to nominate its representative.

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

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.

The Minister for Gozo stressed that the tourism industry on Gozo needs to be sustained by the ongoing upkeep of the touristic product.

He said that all stakeholders need to continue delivering in a synergised approach for the benefit of Gozitan tourism.

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 (Dhalia Real Estate).