THE HON. MICHAEL REFALO, MINISTER FOR TOURISM AND THE HON. GIOVANNA DEBONO, MINISTER FOR GOZO MEET WITH OPERATORS IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY IN GOZO

The Hon. Michael Refalo, Minister for Tourism and the Hon. Giovanna Debono Minister for Gozo, held a meeting with the operators in the tourism industry in Gozo today, Tuesday 25^th April 2000, at the Lyceum Hall in Victoria.

In her introduction the Minister for Gozo thanked the Minister for Tourism for his continuous interest in the tourism industry in Gozo. She also thanked the Gozo Tourism Association for their work and initiatives throughout the past year.

Dr. Michael Refalo also thanked the GTA for the their help in organizing this meeting and invited the floor to put forward any questions, complaints and suggestions.

The tourism operators raised several topics for discussion and these included permits for the placing of tables outside tourist establishments, the common rated fare, the problem of transport between the two Islands, construction work in tourist areas, the Planning Authority, employees in the tourism industry and the industry in general.

The Hon. Michael Refalo agreed that when it comes to permits for tables outside tourist establishments, the process involved is too long. He said that the idea of a single body dealing with these permits as suggested by those present for the meeting is something that should be considered.

About transport between the two Islands the Minister for Tourism does not agree that a tunnel or a bridge is the solution to the problems. He said that it is only on a few occasions that there is no ferry service between the two Islands and the problem will almost be eliminated when the new terminal at Cirkewwa is constructed. The Hon. Dr. Refalo also informed those present that he has held discussions with Gozo Channel Co. Ltd regarding flexi-pricing and anomalies which protect monopolies.

When construction work in tourist areas was discussed, the Minister for Gozo and the Minister for Tourism said that these works cannot be carried out during the tourist months and discussions are going on to reduce the time parameters within which work can be carried out.

As regard employees the Hon. Giovanna Debono said that there is a campaign underway to educate Gozitan students in tourism while new courses and other developments are being introduced at ITS Gozo. On his part, the Hon. Dr. Refalo said that a study about the feasibility of full time courses at ITS is being carried out.

The Minister for Gozo also informed those present that an EU funded study regarding the rehabilitation of Ramla Bay is being worked upon.

In his conclusion the Minister for Tourism said that a new incentive scheme for tour operators will, as from Summer 2000, be introduced. This scheme is designed to offset price differentials as a result of new measures announced in the UK budget. The scheme includes the payment of premiato tour operators on the basis of volume, with additional premia for increased production. In the case of Gozo this incentive will be £20 Stg. The Hon. Michael Refalo pledged the support of his Ministry and of the Malta Tourism Authority to the tourism industry on the Island.