Silvio Rapa from the Grand Hotel Mġarr was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in Tourism during the 11th annual Gozo Tourism Awards organised by the Gozo Tourism Association. Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana emphasised the importance of Human Resources in tourism while congratulating winners.

In a statement, the association explained that the awards are to "acknowledge, commend, encourage and thank all the workers, entrepreneurs and entities who distinguish themselves in the performance of their duties and activities in the vital touristic industry in Gozo."

The winners and awards were as follows:

Gozo Tourism Worker of the Year Award 2018 -Mario Schembri
Gozo Young Tourism Worker of the Year award 2018 -Warren Vella
Gozo Tourism Entrepreneurship Award 2018 -Ferdinand Portelli
Gozo Cultural/Social Achievement Tourism Award - Gozo Half Marathon
Lifetime Achievement Award in Tourism -Silvio Rapa
Special Recognition Award in Tourism -Francesco Cauchi

The awards were presented by Dr Justyne Caruana, Tourism Minister Dr Konrad Mizzi and Malta Tourism Association Senior Manager Christine Vella.

In a separate statement, Dr Caruana said that talks between the Gozo Ministry and the Tourism Ministry are ongoing to increase connectivity between the islands by reintroducing the helicopter service, as well as other new methods of transportation.

Dr Mizzi, on his part, said that a study on the helicopter service is expected to be concluded by the end of March.