The Ministry for Tourism risks losing thousands of euros in EU funds that were allocated for a training programme aimed at improving the skills of uncertified tourism workers in Gozo, as in the last weeks, the ITS lagged behind in the processing of documentation for the ministry to apply for disbursements, this paper has learnt.
The ‘Skills Upgrading for the Tourism Sector in Gozo’ programme was launched in 2012. Almost €140,000 were allocated for it from the European Social Fund.
The project was set up to certify participants employed in the tourism sector by assessing their current skill level, devising and delivering and individual training programme, re-assessing their skill level and certifying them accordingly.
The project was undertaken by the Gozo Ministry, and eventually by the Ministry of Tourism following change in government, in collaboration with the Institute of Tourism Studies, which provided the training.
The ITS was to cover the funds necessary for its staff members to deliver the training and accreditation process. The ministry had an agreement with the Planning and Priorities Co-Ordination Division (PPCD) to apply for a refund, with the funds being disbursed by the ESF, and in turn paid to the ITS. The disbursement period for the funds allocated for the project ends at the end of 2015, and the sources said that the ITS has now gone in panic mode because the process to apply for the refund is lagging far behind, with the institute risking losing the funds.
Opposition spokesman for Tourism Antoine Borg expressed concern at the risk of these funds being lost, as the expense of the tourism industry, the workers and the training institutions. Speaking to The Malta Independent, Mr Borg remarked that in the last months, the Opposition has been criticising the Government's approach vis-a-vis ITS and training as a whole on various counts, including organisational and administrative issues. “The Opposition notes that, despite the Ministry's claims of commitment towards a successful ITS and that the necessary changes in top management have been made, this is not leading to the necessary improvements, with various issues still pending resolution, and risks of financial consequences.” Mr Borg urged the government to act as fast as it can to make sure that these funds are not lost, as if it is the case, they would be draining funds which would have otherwise been invested in the much needed resources for the students and lecturers to carry out effective training.