Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis today said that the government is building on the previous tourism policy (2012 to 2016) created by a Nationalist government which has bore its fruit, by emerging with a new revised policy to cover the next five years.
He was reacting to comments made by the Opposition who stated that the government has no roadmap in terms of tourism.
While highlighting that tourism should not be turned into a political football, Dr Zammit Lewis emphasised that although the new policy will cover the next five years, the government has also a vision till 2030 in terms of tourism.
Dr Zammit Lewis was speaking during the launch of 13th edition of Festival Mediterranea to be held in Gozo between 23 October and 24 November held at the BOV head office in Sta Venera in the presence of John Cassar White, the bank’s chairman, Michael Formosa, chairman of the festival, and Prof Mro Joseph Vella, the festival’s music director.
The Gozo Autumn Festival and Nabucco are being held by Teatru Astra with the support of BOV.
Dr Zammit Lewis said that the festival comes at a time when Gozo is doing well when it comes to the number of tourist arrivals. He said that Gozo faced an acute problem during the shoulder months and such festivals help boost tourism.
He said it is vital such events are promoted much before their start in order to attract as much tourists as possible specifically for these events, especially during shoulder months.
John Cassar White, Chairman BOV, spoke about the importance of programmes that are so culturally-enriching. “This year's edition of Festival Mediterranea marks its 13th anniversary and it is with pride that we can state that Bank of Valletta supported this initiative since its inception. The Festival has been crucial in strengthening the cultural calendar of the Maltese islands and we have seen it growing gradually year on year.
"The cultural pillar of the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility Programme gives an added boost to the local economy as the month long festival creates activity when the touristic season in Gozo is at its lowest. We are pleased to form part of this success story," Mr Cassar White said.