Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1217991
05.03.2020 4 NEWS THE Gozo Tourism Association held its 21st Annual General Meeting last week, at Vini & Capricci Xewkija Gozo. e Agenda of the annual general meet- ing, included an address by the Chairman of the Association, Paul Scicluna, the Ad- ministrative report by the Chief Executive Officer, Joe Muscat, and the Financial report by the Treasurer, Joe Muscat Sam- mut. e meeting was also addressed by the Minister for Gozo, Clint Camilleri, the Minister for Tourism Julia Farrugia Portelli and the Gozitan MEP Josiane Cutajar. In his opening address Scicluna empha- sised the need to keep on improving every type of connectivity to the Island and he stated that GTA is in favour of more con- nectivity especially by the introduction of an airlink. Scicluna stated that tourist arrivals on Gozo are increasing however a noticea- ble shift in the type of accommodation is being noted year on year. Finally he also stressed the need of upgrading the tour- ism establishments product in order to keep maintaining a sustainable tourism industry on Gozo. Muscat then delivered an audio visual presentation on the performance of the Association during 2019. He gave an overview of the Gozitan touristic performance during last year. During his presentation Muscat gave a detailed report of the work and initiatives undertaken by the Association during the course of the past year 2019, during which the Association was also marking its 20th anniversary During her address to members present the Minister for Tourism mentioned the positive tourism performance of Gozo during these last years, while stressing the need of a sustainable growth. Farrugia Portelli said the Ministry for Tourism and Consumer Protection was continuously monitoring the latest devel- opments in relation to the spread of the coronavirus. She said that a high-Level Working Committee within the Ministry will start meeting regularly as deemed necessary and invited GTA to nominate its repre- sentative. Finally whilst thanking GTA for its en- deavours, augured more synergised ef- forts between the Ministry of Tourism and the Gozo Tourism Association. Camilleri stated that the numbers of tourist arrivals needs to be complimented with events on Gozo, something which the Ministry for Gozo is delivering on regular basis. e Minister for Gozo stressed that the tourism industry on Gozo needs to be sustained by the ongoing upkeep of the touristic product. He said that all stakeholders need to continue delivering in a synergised ap- proach for the benefit of Gozitan tourism. During this AGM the GTA council for 2020 was formed and is made up of the following members: Azzopardi Karl (Cesca Boutique Hotel), Borg Marvic (Gozo Breaks Ltd), Busuttil Mark (St. Andrews Divers Cove), Gatt Ludgard (Tamarisk Properties), Loporto Mario (Gozo Village Holidays), Magro Frankie (Mariblu Guesthouse), Mercieca Joseph (Country Terrace Restaurant) Muscat Sammut Joseph (Down Town Hotel), Rapa Joe (Ta' Salvina Restaurant), Sci- cluna Konrad (Links Travel) Scicluna Paul (Gozo Farmhouses), Spiteri Paul- ine (Mario's Rent a car), Tonna Adrian (Kempinski San Lawrenz) and Veranne- man Amand (Dhalia Real Estate). Gozo Tourism Association holds 21st AGM FINANCE Minister Edward Sciclu- na and Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services Clayton Bartolo visited the MFSA's offices yesterday. During the visit, the Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary were taken around the offices, led by the Authority's Executive Committee. MFSA Chairman Prof John Mamo and Chief Executive Officer, Joseph Cuschieri had the opportu- nity to introduce the ministerial delegation to a number of Heads of Functions, who gave a brief over- view of the work which is current- ly being done by their respective teams and how this ties in with the overall strategy of the Authority. The Authority's leadership team also held separate onsite meetings with the Ministerial delegation where the priorities, initiatives and challenges that the MFSA has set itself for 2020 and beyond were discussed. The visit ended with a private meeting between the Board of Governors and the Minister and Parliamentary Secretary. Finance Minister and Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services visit MFSA Finance Minister Edward Scicluna meeting MFSA officials MFSA CEO Joe Cuschieri and Parliamentary Secretary Clayton Bartolo