THE MINISTER FOR TOURISM DISCUSSES DEVELOPMENTS IN MALTESE AND SLOVAK TOURISM

State Secretary Mr. Peter Brno from the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic accompanied by Mr. Jaroslav Bobr'?k, Economic Commercial Counsellor in the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Rome called on the Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Michael Refalo, to discuss developments in Maltese and Slovak tourism.

State Secretary Brno explained that the Slovak Republic had much to learn from Malta's experience and success in the field of tourism. Reference was made to an Agreement entered into in 1981 between Malta and the then Czechoslovak Republic and the discussion focussed on the drawing up of a revised instrument which took into account current realities and needs.

Minister Refalo, who was accompanied by Mr. Louis Naudi, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry and Mr. Anthony Cachia, Personal Assistant to the Minister, welcomed State Secretary Brno and emphasised that, although Malta's tourism industry was predominantly run by the private sector, there were areas where reciprocal co-operation could be extended at State level.

Agreement was reached that the Ministry of Tourism would transmit to the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic information regarding the setting up of the Malta Tourism Authority, the current tourism incentives package as well as proposed amendments to it and also to submit a draft Co-operation Agreement in the field of Tourism between Malta and the Slovak Republic.

State Secretary Brno emphasised that Slovakia was looking for investment in tourism and offered attractive incentives to prospective investors.