Prime Minister Robert Abela visited the Ta' Dbieġi crafts village in Għarb and the multi-functional equine therapy centre Dream of Horses in Gozo, highlighting the contribution of both initiatives to the island's sustainable development, a government statement said Saturday.

At Ta' Dbieġi, the oldest artisan village in Gozo, the Prime Minister, accompanied by Gozo and Planning Minister Clint Camilleri and Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects Minister Silvio Schembri, met with several artisans and shop owners. He listened to their experiences and the role their craftsmanship plays in promoting tourism. Prime Minister Abela emphasized the government's commitment to continue supporting these sectors through modernization funds, EU financing, and incentives for small Gozitan enterprises looking to expand.

Following this visit, the Prime Minister, joined by Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Minister Anton Refalo, toured the Dream of Horses Therapeutic Centre. There, he met with the centre's management, who explained how the facility provides equine-assisted therapy for individuals facing mental health challenges or recovering from abusive experiences. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to all involved for their dedication in helping people find refuge and healing through nature and animals.

During his visit, Abela stressed the importance of Gozo's continued sustainable development, blending economic, social, and cultural value. "The creativity seen in artisan work and initiatives like Dream of Horses reflect the core of what we envision for Gozo: a vibrant community offering a strong future for the next generations. The measures we've introduced to support Gozo's economy and innovate in tourism further strengthen this vision," he concluded.