Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis yesterday did not rule out merging the Malta Tourism Authority’s chairmanship role with that of the CEO’s.

Gavin Gulia, a Labour MP candidate in the last general election, currently holds the chairmanship. The role of CEO was vacated with the resignation of Josef Formosa Gauci yesterday. Mr Formosa Gauci served as the MTA’s CEO for the past six year.

“I will be clear, all the options are open. I will not say no, but I cannot say yes at this stage. You have to appreciate that my interest at the moment is appointing someone who enjoys good relations with private stakeholders," Dr Zammit Lewis said.

"The second priority is to ensure a smooth transition so the initiatives being undertaken continue. The MTA is not made up solely of Mr Formosa Gauci, who has given his contribution, but there are other persons who have continued to contribute."

Asked whether he was disappointed with the timing of Mr Formosa Gauci’s resignation, Dr Zammit Lewis said that when it comes to such matters the timing is never ideal.

He said the situation will be handled “rationally and cordially” with Mr Formosa Gauci. 

The Tourism Minister said he has offered the former CEO another role, but has yet to receive a response about the offer.

Mr Formosa Gauci was retained in his role following the 2013 general elections, as he was seen to enjoy the trust of stakeholders in the tourism industry.

Earlier this year, former Tourism Minister Karmenu Vella jumped to Mr Formosa Gauci’s defence after it was revealed that he pocketed €23,000 in allowances since 2008, over and above his annual salary. 

This did not go down well with Mr Gulia, who is reportedly after the CEO role.