Eleven Gozitan entities were yesterday presented with a letter of intent after their application, relating to the organising of cultural and entertainment events during the less popular winter months in 2008, were accepted. Financial assistance leading to the setting-up of such events is being issued for the second consecutive year through the Gozo Attractions Incentive Scheme, by means of an allocation of r93,200 (Lm40,000) from the National Lotteries Good Causes Fund. This was one of the strategic measures for Gozo proposed in the 2008 budget.

Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono presented the letters of intent to the various representatives including those from Local Councils, non-governmental organisations as well as private and public organisations. Minister Debono said that the purpose of this scheme was to continue promoting and developing Gozo as a tourist destination, with financial aid being put towards the organisation of activities which attract tourists from the domestic market and thus provide the essential support to the Gozitan tourism industry during the leaner months of the year.

Minister Debono praised the initiative taken by these Gozitan organisations whose activities will provide added attractions to Gozo’s tourism product. Gozo has considerable cultural potential and the Gozo Ministry acknowledges this fact by continuously supporting culture in Gozo. Minister Debono also mentioned the eight organisations which had previously benefited from the Gozo Attractions Incentive Scheme launched earlier in 2007.