Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1530938
3 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 27 DECEMBER 2024 NEWS GozoToday is a weekly newspaper focused primarily on Gozo. It hopes to serve as a source of information on business, culture, entertainment and of course current affairs. Gozo has a special charm about it but it is also a bustling Island with an identity of its own. GozoToday is published every Friday and is available to numerous outlets in Gozo and on the ferries that carry so many visitors to Gozo from Malta and beyond. GozoToday MediaToday Co. Ltd, Vjal ir-Rihan San Gwann SGN 9016 EDITOR: PAUL COCKS Tel: (356) 21 382741-3, 21 382745-6 Website: www.maltatoday.com.mt E-mail: dailynews@mediatoday.com.mt IN 2024 the office of the Mal- ta Tourism Authority in Italy placed a strong focus on Gozo, showcasing its unique character while promoting inclusivity and sustainability. The campaign sought to position Gozo as a distinct destination within the Maltese archipelago, appealing to niche markets with innova- tive travel concepts and high- lighting the island's authentic and enriching experiences. The marketing strategy cov- ered a broad range of platforms. A nationwide outdoor adver- tising campaign targeted 22 Italian cities, featuring Gozo prominently on wrapped buses and trams to boost winter tour- ism. Rome and Milan hosted large-scale digital campaigns to further amplify visibility. Gozo also featured in major TV pro- grams, including TG2 Weekend (Rai 2), Kilimangiaro (Rai 3), and I Viaggi del Cuore (Canale 5), where its natural beauty, cul- ture, and traditions took center stage. In print and digital media, col- laborations with outlets such as F magazine and Dove Viaggi delivered authentic storytelling that resonated with audiences. Radio campaigns with Radio Deejay, Radio Capital, and M20 ran throughout the year, with additional features on Radio Classica discussing Gozo's his- tory and cultural significance. One of the highlights of the year was the special project Nessuna Donna è un'isola, de- veloped by MTA Italy in part- nership with VisitGozo. The initiative redefined solo travel through a female perspective, capturing Gozo's traditions, unspoiled landscapes, and cul- tural heritage in a compelling photo exhibition. Launched in Milan in 2023, the exhibition toured various Italian festivals and cities in 2024, including Brescia, Fregene (RM), Ancona and Marina di Ravenna (RA), complemented by guided tours, yoga sessions, and mindfulness events. These experiences were shared on social media, while a contest held during the Kale- mana Festival in September awarded winners a journey to Gozo, filled with curated out- door activities and cultural ex- plorations. Working on smaller centres allowed the team to be present in areas with direct con- tact with the population. Carlo Micallef, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority, said, "Gozo's unique charm and sus- tainable appeal have made it a cornerstone of our Italian mar- keting strategy. The Nessuna Donna è un'isola project ex- emplifies our commitment to showcasing Gozo as a distinct destination of quality, cultural depth, and emotional resonance. By targeting conscious travel- lers, we are redefining tourism in a way that benefits both visi- tors and the island itself." Ester Tamasi, Director of MTA Italy, added, "The pro- motion of Gozo is a central element in our marketing ef- forts. The island, still relative- ly undiscovered, offers unique experiences that align perfectly with emerging tourism trends. The Nessuna Donna è un'isola project aims to fully explore the codes of the feminine. It is not a journey related solely to the is- sue of gender, but the ability to penetrate the essence of places, just as we want tourists to dis- cover the wonders of the island of Gozo." Gozo gains prominence in MTA Italy's 2024 campaigns ADDING to the festive Christmas spirit and celebrations, 'Strings for Christmas' presented an eclectic concert under the musical direction of Pierre Louis Attard. The string orchestra performed a pro- gram featuring seasonal classics such as 'Sinfonia Pastorale' by Emmanuele Galea and 'A Christmas Fantasia' by Alec Rowley, alongside festive piec- es from various countries. The reper- toire also included standard works for strings, such as Haydn's 'Divertimento in E-flat Major', Hob.II:6. The aim of 'Strings for Christmas' was to enhance the festive atmosphere on Boxing Day while showcasing the richness and versatility of string instru- ments. The concert, at St. Augustine's Church in Victoria, Gozo, was organised by the Victoria Local Council and supported by the Cultural Heritage Directorate within the Ministry for Gozo and Plan- ning. Strings for Christmas on Boxing Day