Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543228
6 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 13 FEBRUARY 2026 NEWS ON Thursday 6th February 2026, the Gozo Tourism Asso- ciation, organised the sixteenth edition of the Gozo Tourism Awards. These Awards were bestowed to the Gozo Tour- ism Worker of the Year, the Gozo Young Tourism Worker of the Year, the Gozo Tourism Entrepreneurship Award, the Gozo Business Niche Tourism Achievement Award and the Gozo Cultural Niche Tourism Achievement Award. The main objectives of these awards are to acknowledge, commend, en- courage and thank all the work- ers, Entrepreneurs and Entities who distinguish themselves in the performance of their duties and activities in the vital touris- tic industry in Gozo. Trevor Portelli, Culinary Di- rector at the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, won the Gozo Tourism Worker of the Year Award 2025, whilst Nigel Tab- one, the Head Chef at Ta' Vestru Restaurant won the Gozo Young Tourism Worker of the Year Award 2025. This year's Gozo Tourism Entrepreneurship Award 2025 was won by Andre Refalo of l-Eremita Boutique Hotel. The Gozo Business Niche Achievement Tourism Award 2025 was awarded to Chris Ver- maak of Kayak Gozo, whilst the Gozo Cultural Niche Achieve- ment Award 2025 was won by the Dwejra Tower managed by Din l-Art Helwa. The winners were officially announced by Rebecca Bonnici, Chairperson of the adjudicat- ing board which also includ- ed, Naomi Macdonald and Mr Ronald Sultana, the Director for Tourism within the Ministry for Gozo and Planning. The Gozo Tourism Associa- tion Council also awarded the Lifetime Achievement in Tour- ism Award to Abraham Said, for his investment and achieve- ments in the tourism sector over the years, which continue to contribute towards job creation and economic growth on Gozo. The Special Recognition Award in Tourism was jointly awarded to Alfio Rapa and Renato Rapa, whilst the Gozo Tourism Com- mitment Award this year was conferred to the Gozo High- speed Limited. These awards were present- ed to the respective winners by Charles Mangion, Chairman of the Malta Tourism Authority, Mario Borg, Permanent Sec- retary at the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, and Paul Scicluna, Chairman of the GTA. In his opening address, the Chairman of the Gozo Tourism Association emphasised the im- portance of human resources to the Gozitan tourism sector, not- ing that one of the main purpos- es of these awards is to retain, encourage, and attract workers to this vital economic industry. He also highlighted the crucial role en- trepreneurs play in sustaining a vibrant sector and expressed sol- idarity with establishments that suffered damage during Storm Harry. The concluding address was delivered on behalf of the Min- ister for Gozo Clint Camilleri, by Ronald Sultana, Director for Tourism and Economic Development. In his remarks the Minister highlighted the year-on-year increase in tourist arrivals to Gozo, noting particu- larly encouraging double-digit growth during the winter and shoulder months. Supported by a robust, year-round cultur- al calendar, these gains indicate that seasonality is being steadily mitigated. The Minister reaf- firmed the Ministry's commit- ment to the island's tourism sector, congratulated all winners and nominees, and expressed his gratitude and encouragement to the workers and entrepreneurs who drive the Gozitan tourism industry. The numerous guests present were also addressed by Dr Charles Mangion, Chairman of the Malta Tourism Authority. 16th edition of the Gozo Tourism Awards The main objectives of these awards are to acknowledge, commend, encourage and thank all the workers, Entrepreneurs and Entities who distinguish themselves in the performance of their duties