In its endeavours to assist the continuous development of Gozo as a tourist destination, particularly during the lean months, the government launched various initiatives earlier this year aimed at enhancing and promoting Gozo’s tourism product. One of these initiatives is the “Gozo Attractions Incentive Scheme”, which has been allocated Lm40,000 from the National Lotteries Good Causes Fund.

The scheme is intended to support the Gozitan tourism sector by financially assisting the organisation of cultural and entertainment events which potentially attract more visitors to Gozo during the less popular months, from January to May and October to December.

Applicants eligible for this scheme include Gozitan local councils, non-governmental organisations and the private and public sectors that would like to organise events in Gozo during the specified months mentioned earlier.

Together with the application, organisers are to submit a detailed plan of the activity as well as a financial estimate of the expenditure and income relating to the same activity. The applications submitted are then examined by an adjudicating board. Applicants who meet the criteria and qualify for financial assistance through this scheme will be notified in writing. Funds will be distributed after the relative activity is held.

Interested parties are to collect an application form from the Ministry for Gozo or download it from the website www.gozo.gov.mt. Filled-in applications for events to be held until December are to be returned to the Culture Office, Banca Giuratale, Independence Square, Victoria between 9am and noon of Friday 11 May. Late applications will automatically be disqualified.