PRIZE FOR TOURISM WRITING

PRIZE FOR TOURISM WRITING

In September 1999 the Minister for Tourism, Dr. Michael Refalo, launched and established the first competition for Tourism Writing. Editors, newspaper and media journalists as well as free lancers are reminded that the closing date for submissions is the 30^th September 2000. All entries should be addressed to the Chairperson, Competition for Tourism Writing, Palazzo Spinola, St. Julian's.

The reasons for launching the competition were twofold: to encourage journalistic specialisation in tourism and create further public awareness of the economic, social and cultural benefits which the industry bestows on Malta and the Maltese.

The local print media has been scanned for the last ten months for articles relevant to the topic. It has been noted however that much of what has been written on the subject consists of either mere event reporting or the reproduction and abridgement of press statements and media handouts.

The Ministry encourages journalists to consider a more creative, investigative and original angle to tourism writing. A number of approaches are possible – Malta can be compared to other destinations, original comments can be taken from visitors, the effect of legislation and policies driven in other areas can be evaluated for their effect and impact on tourism. Local habits, customs, traditions can be assessed for their value in enhancing or otherwise impacting negatively on the tourist industry. The potential is vast and the only restriction is that articles must feature Malta. It is not a competition in travel writing but in tourism writing.

The winner of the Tourism Writing competition will be awarded an expenses paid opportunity to attend the World Travel Market in London and write exclusive coverage and syndicated articles for the local media.