Bank of Valletta has signed a three-year collaboration agreement with the Gozo Tourism Association. The agreement was signed by Roderick Chalmers, Bank of Valletta chairman and Mario Loporto, Gozo Tourism Association chairman, during a visit by a BOV delegation to the association’s Gozo offices. The BOV delegation present for the signing included Tonio Depasquale, chief executive officer, Charles Borg, executive head, CEO’s office and Jack Thewma, manager of BOV’s Gozo branch.

With the signing of this agreement, Bank of Valletta has been appointed as the official banker of the Gozo Tourism Association. BOV is also recognised as one of the official sponsors of the GTA. This agreement will continue to strengthen the relationship between the two organisations through sharing of expertise in their respective fields of business and the promotion of business development opportunities.

Speaking following the signing of the agreement, Mr Chalmers stressed on the importance which BOV gives to the island of Gozo. “We are well aware of Gozo’s specific requirements and this new agreement with the GTA seeks to address the issues and opportunities facing the tourism sector in Gozo from a truly Gozitan perspective,” he said.

Mr Chalmers then announced that “Through this agreement, the Bank and Association are setting up a joint business committee which will serve as a platform for on-going discussion and as a facilitator for the Bank and Association to propose financial services as well as schemes for the benefit of the Gozo tourism sector”.

Mr Loporto explained that “The GTA was set up in 1999 and its main objectives have been to unite operators in the tourism industry in Gozo and promote Gozo as an all year round distinct tourist destination. We are pleased to enter into this agreement with Bank of Valletta which should be to the mutual benefit of both parties. The association incorporates all sectors in the tourism industry on the island of Gozo and close collaboration with Bank of Valletta will definitely be to the benefit of our members and, in turn, to the benefit of the whole tourism industry in Gozo”.