The potential of human resources in Malta and Gozo should be acknowledged and strengthened to generate more wealth across the nation.

We have started the new year in Gozo with a special focus on the importance of our human resources. Two particular events this week highlighted the value our dedicated workers add to all our projects and initiatives. It is said that all great things start with a clear vision of what is to be achieved, but every success is largely a result of the loyalty and hard work put in by our workers.

It then goes full circle, creating even more employment — a major indicator of a nation’s prosperity.

Official statistics published this week have shown positive results, with an impressive 26 per cent decrease in unemployment in Gozo by the end of last November. This confirms the government’s commitment to creating more jobs in Gozo for Gozitan workers. Needless to say, results like these encourage us to work harder towards greater achievements.

 

The Gozo ministry’s worker of the year

The Worker of the Year at the Ministry for Gozo is a new initiative which aims to give due recognition to those who distinguish themselves in carrying out their duties. This new scheme is meant to reward the skill, dedication and hard work of Gozitan workers within the ministry, who in spite of a growing workload, have shown a willingness to perform their duties skilfully and efficiently. Besides commitment shown during working hours, the award also recognises a nominee’s all-round exemplary character and conduct.

Forty-eight people were nominated across seven directorates, along with the Office of the Permanent Secretary, and the Office of the Chief Information Officer.

 

Team spirit

Speaking to a packed hall at the award ceremony, I explained that public service is one that needs to be correct, punctual and, most importantly, up to taxpayer expectations. This is achievable through teamwork which goes beyond simply earning a wage; which seeks to provide real job satisfaction. The annual award scheme should encourage workers — both individually and as a team — to put more into realising the ministry’s plans for Gozo.

As expected, the event proved to be a manifestation of the fast-growing team spirit within the Gozo ministry. While congratulating all winners, I heartily thank each employee for their efforts and efficiency in securing continuity and success in all our plans and projects for our island-region.

 

Best worker in the tourism industry

On a similar note, I had the pleasure of addressing the distinguished gathering of operators and workers at the tenth Gozo Tourism Awards, organised annually by the Gozo Tourism Association. The main objective of these awards is to acknowledge, commend, encourage and thank all the workers, entrepreneurs and entities who distinguish themselves in the performance of their duties and activities in Gozo’s vital tourism industry.

Our island-region is wealthy in culture and tradition, brimming with artistic talents who have achieved fame beyond our shores. We offer visitors a community with ever-growing potential and creativeness for achieving the economic and social success that only resilience and determination can attain.

 

Training and upgrading

With our ultimate goal of providing a high-quality service, we should not miss any opportunity to upgrade our tourist product. We are aware that the industry itself is not attracting enough Gozitan workers, although we are confident that our people can reach higher skill levels when taking up the necessary training. We need to address this shortage together, as it is to the entrepreneur’s own benefit to have fully trained Gozitans within the workforce.

 

We are also aware that there is a great demand for particular niches services within the tourism industry. The Gozo ministry has been working hard to this, and results achieved over the past months prove that our joint effort can secure Gozo as a distinct, year-round destination. This is the best way to promote the island’s attractions, complemented with the best service we can offer.

The tourism industry, with all its branches of hospitality and service entities, has been — and will always be — a part of our success story. In all our current and future ventures, we have to continue investing heavily but diligently in our island’s unique qualities. We need to work hand in hand to secure the best economic results the tourism industry can yield. Goodwill and co-operation, change and progress, are key factors in managing this important pillar of Gozo’s economy well.

It is imperative, however, that tourists receive the highest level of service when visiting our island, as this is what makes Gozo stand out from other destinations. The tourism sector is highly volatile and we must constantly improve both the skills and the product on offer. Gozitans are, by nature, very hospitable, and we should therefore capitalise on this unique characteristic so that along with the environment, landscape and cultural heritage, we can continue to strengthen tourism and the economy in Gozo.

 

Positive results

In my concluding speech at the GTA annual event, I emphasised the importance of well-trained, motivated human resources in the tourism sector. I also thanked entrepreneurs for their hard work and reiterated the ministry’s support, not least through the many infrastructural works and tourist-related projects which have already been given the green light.

This week’s official tourist figures show a very positive outlook for the industry in Gozo. Inbound visitors to the island by October 2017 had already exceeded the amount of tourists visiting Gozo all throughout 2016. Bed nights until October last year also exceeded those spent all through the previous year. It all stands to prove that we are on the right track, and with the many plans and budget incentives for upgrades during 2018, we can look ahead to Gozo’s best tim