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Diving Master Plan for Gozo and Comino presented for consultation

The Diving Master Plan for Gozo and Comino, forming part of the EU co-funded Niche Tourism Project for the island of Gozo, was presented to the island’s diving tourism stakeholders during a presentation meeting at the Ministry for Gozo, this morning.

Speaking during the meeting, the Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo said that the drawing up of the Master Plan for Diving was done in a bid to give a holistic approach to diving as an area with potential growth for the benefit of the tourism industry for Gozo. Government had identified diving as an area where Gozo could have a competitive advantage and is now committed towards further improving the product on offer. The Niche Tourism Project for the Island of Gozo, involving the investment of €1.3 million, involved also the scuttling of the vessels MV Karwela and MV Cominoland in August, the setting up of a decompression chamber in December, a marketing campaign through international magazines, a new website and a DVD, and the actual Master Plan.

Minister Debono said that the Master Plan, carried out in consultation with all the diving schools in Gozo, does not only give an analysis of the product on offer at present but also provides a basis for future developments and identifies measures that could be implemented to improve all diving sites around Gozo and Comino for the islands to be able to offer a more upmarket product.

Minister Debono announced that now that the Master Plan has been drawn up, the Ministry for Gozo will set up a Task Force to follow up on the measures identified and come up with an Action Plan to implement short-term, medium-term and long-term targets.

The Diving Master Plan for Gozo and Comino gives a thorough assessment of the existing product on offer and identifies ways for improvement on both land and sea, including individual site reports of diving locations. It looks at the underwater features but also the facilities for access to and from the water as well as other amenities on land that would enhance the diving experience.

Assessment was carried out through desk research, on-line surveys, one-to-one encounters with individual divers as well as all diving schools operating from Gozo and Comino and a selection of diving schools operating from Malta.

Recommendations include the upgrading of shore dive sites with appropriate infrastructure, the organisation of parking and kitting up facilities at dive sites, the provision of safety equipment and the improvement of facilities to reduce the possibility of accidents at dive sites, the provision of more wrecks and artificial reefs at selected dive sites, the provision of secure mooring buoys at boat diving locations, the taking of steps to attract more fish to dive sites, and the organisation of proper data collection exercises to assist in better product-analysis and monitoring.

Following Minister Debono’s introduction, Mr Adrian Mallia, who conducted the research and drew up the Master Plan on behalf of Adi Associates Environmental Consultants Ltd, gave a presentation about the study findings and recommendations. The diving industry stakeholders on Gozo had the opportunity to provide feedback on the report presented during the meeting.

The Diving Master Plan for Gozo and Comino forms part of the Structural Funds Programme for Malta 2004-2006 Niche Tourism Project for the Island of Gozo, specifically under the European Regional Development Fund, with the Government of Malta funding 25% of the project value.

Interesting facts emanating from the Diving Master Plan for Gozo and Comino:

1. There are presently 11 diving schools on Gozo and 1 diving school on Comino, from a total of 44 in the Maltese Islands.
2. 89% of diver-tourists to Gozo travel along with their family or friends. 20% either own property on Gozo or always stay in Gozo when travelling to the Maltese Islands. 48% are returning divers. The duration of visit ranges from one day to more than one month, with the majority staying between 6-15 days.
3. A total of 57 dive sites have been identified through this Master Plan: 45 on Gozo and 12 on Comino. Of these, 21 can be accessed from shore, with the rest being boat dives. 4 of the 21 shore dives can also be boat dives.
4. The overall best underwater experience was found to be the Blue Hole, followed by Reqqa Point and the Inland Sea. The most popular site for novice divers was found to be Mgarr ix-Xini followed by Crystal Lagoon, Xwejni Bay, Anchor Reef, Cominotto and Ħondoq ir-Rummien bay. NOTE: the survey was carried out prior to the scuttling of the two vessels at ix-Xatt l-Aħmar.
5. Following the scuttling of the two vessels at ix-Xatt l-Aħmar in August 2006, the dive site has become one of the top three dive sites on Gozo.
6. 88% of the diving sites are considered as relatively remote, with 22% being over 2km from the nearest village, 39% within 2km, and 27% within 1km.

05.01.2007

STQARRIJA LILL-ISTAMPA

Master Plan ta’ l-Għadds għal Għawdex u Kemmuna jiġi ppreżentat għall-konsultazzjoni

Il-Master Plan għall-industrija ta’ l-għadds li jkopri lil Għawdex u Kemmuna, u li jifforma parti mill-proġett ko-finanzjat mill-Unjoni Ewropea għal dan is-settur, ġie ppreżentat lill-partijiet konċernati ta’ l-industrija turistika t’Għawdex waqt preżentazzjoni li saret dalgħodu fil-Ministeru għal Għawdex.

Waqt li kienet qed titkellem fl-istess laqgħa, l-Onor. Giovanna Debono, Ministru għal Għawdexqalet li t-tfassil ta’ dan il-Pjan sar fi sforz li tingħata attenzjoni olistika lill-qasam ta’ l-għadds bħala settur b’potenzjal ta’ tkabbir għall-benefiċċju ta’ l-industrija turistika t’Għawdex. Il-Gvern identifika l-industrija turistika ta’ l-għadds bħala qasam li jista’ jagħti vantaġġ kompetittiv lil Għawdex u għalhekk huwa kommess li jkompli jtejjeb il-prodott li l-gżira toffri. Il-proġett Niche Tourism For the Island of Gozo, li minnu jifforma parti dan il-Pjan, jinvolvi l-investiment ta’ madwar €1.3 miljun u kien jikkonsisti f’elementi oħra fosthom l-għarqa taż-żewġ vapuri MV Karwela u MV Cominoland li seħħet f’Awissu, it-twaqqif ta’ decompression chamber ix-xahar li għadda, u kampanja ta’ reklamar permezz ta’ rivisti speċjalizzati internazzjonali, it-tnedija ta’ website apposta u l-ħruġ ta’ DVD.

Il-Ministru Debono qalet li l-Pjan, li ġie mfassal b’konsultazzjoni ma’ l-iskejjel kollha ta’ l-għadds f’Għawdex, mhux biss jagħmel analiżi tal-prodott li joffru l-gżejjer ta’ Għawdex u Kemmuna imma wkoll jipprovdi bażi għal żviluppi futuri kif ukoll jidentifika miżuri li jistgħu jiġu mplimentati sabiex is-siti ta’ l-għadds madwar il-gżejjer jitjiebu u joffru prodott dejjem iktar ta’ kwalita’.

Il-Ministru Debono ħabbret li issa li tfassal dan il-Pjan, il-Ministeru għal Għawdex ser iwaqqaf Task Force biex tħares lejn il-miżuri proposti u tfassal Pjan ta’ Azzjoni sabiex timplimenta l-miri stabiliti.

Il-Pjan ta’ l-Għadds għal Għawdex u Kemmuna huwa magħmul minn evalwazzjoni dettaljata tal-prodott turistiku li qed jiġi offrut bħalissa filwaqt li jidentifika modi ta’ titjib kemm fuq l-art kif ukoll fil-baħar, inkluż permezz ta’ rapporti dettaljati għal kull sit ta’ l-għadds. Il-Pjan iħares ukoll lejn il-fatturi taħt l-ilma kif ukoll il-faċilitajiet ta’ aċċess minn u lejn l-ilma kif ukoll faċilitajiet u servizzi oħra fuq l-art li jtejbu l-esperjenza ta’ l-għadds.

L-analiżi saret permezz ta’ riċerka differenti nkluż stħarriġ online, laqgħat individwali ma’ l-għaddasa kif ukoll laqgħat ma’ l-iskejjel kollha ta’ l-għadds li joperaw minn Għawdex u minn Kemmuna u laqgħat oħra ma’ wħud mill-iskejjel li joperaw minn Malta.

Ir-rakkomandazzjonijiet jinkludu it-titjib tas-siti ta’ l-għadds fuq ix-xtajta permezz ta’ l-introduzzjoni ta’ iktar infrastruttura adegwata, l-organizzazzjoni tal-parkeġġi u l-faċilitajiet fejn l-għaddasa jippreparaw ruħhom għall-għadds, il-provvista ta’ apparat ta’ sigurta’ u t-titjib tal-faċilitajiet biex jonqsu l-inċidenti fuq is-sit, il-provvista ta’ iktar siti ta’ l-għadds artifiċċjali f’żoni partikolari, il-provvista ta’ bagi siguri fejn jitrakkaw id-dgħajjes waqt għadds ‘il barra mix-xtajta, it-teħid ta’ miżuri biex jiżdiedu l-ħut fis-siti ta’ l-għadds, u l-organizzazzjoni tal-ġbir ta’ iktar informazzjoni dwar l-għadds sabiex il-prodott turistiku jkun jista’ jiġi evalwat kontinwament u mtejjeb.

Wara l-introduzzjoni ta’ l-Onor. Giovanna Debono, is-Sur Adrian Mallia, li wettaq ir-riċerka u li ħejja l-Master Plan għall-kumpanija Adi Associates Environmental Consultants Ltd, ta preżentazzjoni dwar ir-riżultati ta’ l-istudji u r-rakkomandazzjonijiet. Il-partijiet konċernati ta’ l-industrija turistika li kienu preżenti għal-laqgħa ta’ dalgħodu kellhom l-opportunita’ li jagħtu l-kummenti tagħhom.

Il-Pjan ta’ l-Għadds għal Għawdex u Kemmuna jifforma parti mill-proġett Niche Tourism for the Island of Gozo li twettaq permezz tal-Fondi Strutturali għal Malta 2004-2006, speċifikament permezz tal-Fond ta’ Żvilupp Reġjonali Ewropew. Is-sehem tal-Gvern Malti kien ta’ 25% tal-valur tal-proġett.

Fatti li ħarġu mill-Master Plan ta’ l-Għadds għal Għawdex u Kemmuna:

1. Bħalissa hemm 11-il skola ta’ l-għadds topera f’Għawdex u skola waħda f’Kemmuna. B’kollox, fil-gżejjer Maltin, insibu 44 skola ta’ l-għadds.
2. 89% ta’ turisti-għaddasa li jżuru Għawdex jivvjaġġaw flimkien mal-familja jew ħbieb. 20% minnhom għandhom propjeta’ f’Għawdex jew dejjem joqgħodu Għawdex meta jżuru l-Gżejjer Maltin. 48% huma għaddasa li rritornaw għal btala oħra f’Għawdex. It-tul tal-btala tvarja minn ġurnata sa iktar minn xahar, bil-maġġoranza ta’ l-għaddasa jivvjaġġaw għal btala ta’ bejn sitt ijiem u ħmistax-il ġurnata.
3. Ġew identifikati total ta’ 57 post fejn jista’jsir l-għadds: 45 madwar Għawdex u tnax madwar Kemmuna. Minn dawn, 21 jistgħu jintlaħqu minn fuq ix-xtajta filwaqt li l-bqija jintlaħqu permezz ta’ dgħajsa. 4 mill-21 sit li jintlaħqu mill-art jistgħu wkoll jintlaħqu mid-dgħajjes.
4. L-iktar esperjenza taħt il-baħar meqjusa bħala kompleta hija dik tal-Ħofra tal-Bidwin (Blue Hole), segwita minn Ras ir-Reqqa u l-Qawra – ilkoll fid-Dwejra. L-iktar sit popolari ma’ għaddasa li għadhom jibdew jipprattikaw l-isport huwa dak ta’ Mġarr ix-Xini, segwit mill-Bejta tal-Fenek (Crystal Lagoon) f’Kemmuna, il-bajja tax-Xwejni, Ras it-Tumbrell (Anchor Reef), Kemmunett u Ħondoq ir-Rummien. NOTA: dan l-istħarriġ sar qabel ma ġew mgħarrqa ż-żewġ vapuri fix-Xatt l-Aħmar.
5. Wara l-għarqa tal-vapuri MV Karwela u MV Cominoland f’Awissu fix-Xatt l-Aħmar, dan is-sit ta’ l-għadds sar wieħed mill-iktar tlett siti popolari ma’ l-għaddasa f’Għawdex.
6. 88% tas-siti ta’ l-għadds huma meqjusa remoti, bi 22% ikunu iktar minn 2 km bogħod mill-eqreb raħal, 39% inqas minn 2km, u 27% inqas minn kilometru.

05.01.07

PRESS RELEASE

Hyperbaric Unit inaugurated in Gozo

A Hyperbaric Unit was inaugurated this morning by the Hon. Dr. Lawrence Gonzi, Prime Minister, during an activityat the Gozo General Hospital.

An area previously utilised as a Laundry, has now been converted to house the sophisticated equipment that will serve to provide emergency treatment to divers suffering from decompression sickness. Decompression sickness is experienced by divers when established procedures to control the varying underwater pressures are not followed. The recompression chamber creates pressures similar to those found under water and slowly diminishes pressure in a way to avoid serious complications. The availability of this facility makes the destination a safer place to dive in, and therefore more attractive to divers, since this specialised emergency treatment is available in a matter of a few minutes. Decompression sickness can often be tragic for divers.

The setting up and installation of a recompression chamber at the Gozo General Hospital follows the scuttling of the MV Karwela and the MV Cominoland in August, and the ongoing marketing campaign in foreign media, to continue strengthening the position of Gozo as a quality diving destination. These components, together with the Master Plan for diving and hospital staff training, form part of the Structural Funds for Malta 2004-2006 Niche Tourism Project for the Island of Gozo, involving an investment of €1.3m.

Gozo General Hospital. Government is also committed towards continuing with the development of the health services in Gozo and has continuously invested in the upgrading of facilities and services on offer at the Gozo General Hospital.

The Prime Minister also referred to Malta’s readiness towards the implementation of projects which will be funded by the European Union for the financial period 2007-2013. Dr Gonzi said that Malta is ready to go with projects to be co-financed under the next budgetary period, and that Malta’s submission was the first to be accepted from the 25 European Union countries. The Prime Minister also said that Gozo is once again being considered a priority in the Government’s programme – this time one out of five priorities.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, the Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo said that today’s occasion marks another significant step towards the improvement of the tourism product that the island of Gozo offers to its visitors. Government is heavily investing in the upgrading of the tourism infrastructure and facilities on offer in Gozo, and today’s occasion is a confirmation of the importance that it continually gives to Gozo, especially to the development of its economy. Minister Debono said the inauguration of today’s project is possible thanks to the continuous dialogue that the Ministry for Gozo has with the island’s stakeholders that together identified the niche area of diving as one with potential for more growth.

Minister Debono also said that Government is committed in continuing with the upgrading programme and has directed European Union and national funds towards the improvement of tourism-related facilities in Gozo, including the setting up of the Tourism Training Facility in Qala, the Museum of Archaeology at the Citadel, and the upgrading of arterial roads leading to popular tourism attractions. More tourism-oriented projects will be carried out in the coming years, especially with another 10% of the European Union allocation of funds for Malta for 2007-2013 being once again allocated for Gozo.

In today’s activity, a documentary in English about the underwater and above-ground attractions of Gozo has been launched as part of the project’s marketing campaign, while certificates were presented to Gozo General Hospital staff that undertook training to operate the new hyperbaric unit.

16.12.2006

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STQARRIJA LILL-ISTAMPA

Inawgurata d-Decompression Chamber f’Għawdex

F’Għawdex dalgħodu ġiet inawgurata Hyperbaric Unit mill-Onor. Dr. Lawrence Gonzi, Prim Ministru, waqt attivita’ fl-Isptar Ġenerali t’Għawdex.

Żona fl-isptar li sa ftit ilu kienet tintuża bħala laundry ġiet ikkonvertita f’post attrezzat biex jospita fih apparat sofistikat li se jipprovdi trattament ta’ emerġenza lil għaddasa li jbatu minn decompression sickness. Din it-tip ta’ kundizzjoni taffettwa lil għaddasa meta ma josservawx il-ħinijiet neċessarji biex jistabilizzaw il-pressjoni li tvarja taħt l-ilma. Iċ-chamber terġa’ ttella' b'mod kontrollat il-pressjoni bħal dik ta' taħt il-baħar u terġa’ tniżżilha bil-mod biex b'hekk jiġu evitati l-konsegwenzi serji marbuta ma' din il-prattika. It-twaqqif ta’ din il-faċilita’ twassal biex il-gżira t’Għawdex tkun meqjusa bħala destinazzjoni iktar sigura għall-ipprattikar ta’ dan l-isport, u allura tagħmilha iktar attraenti għall-għaddasa biex jgħoddsu madwar Għawdex. Dan minħabba li f’każ ta’ bżonn, it-trattament ta’ emerġenza speċjalizzat jista’ jingħata fi żmien ftit minuti. Il-kundizzjoni ta’ decompression sickness tista’ tkun traġika għall-għaddasa.

It-twaqqif ta’ din il-faċilita’ fl-Isptar Ġenerali t’Għawdex issegwi l-għarqa ta’ żewġ vapuri – l-MV Karwela u l-MV Cominoland – f’Awissu, kif ukoll it-twettieq ta’ kampanja pubbliċitarja kontinwa f’magazines speċjalizzati barranin, biex il-pożizzjoni ta’ Għawdex bħala destinazzjoni turistika ta’ kwalita’ għall-ipprattikar ta’ dan l-isport tkompli tissaħħaħ. Dawn l-elementi, flimkien mat-twettieq ta’ Master Plan għal din l-industrija u taħriġ għall-ħaddiema ta’ l-isptar, jifformaw parti mill-proġett li huwa ko-finanzjat mill-Fondi Strutturali għal Malta 2004-2006 bl-isem ta’ Niche Tourism Project for the Island of Gozo, bl-investiment ta’ madwar €1.3m.

Fl-indirizz tiegħu, l-Onor. Prim Ministru qal li l-inawgurazzjoni ta’ din il-faċilita’ hija ħolqa oħra f’katina ta’ proġetti u inizjattivi li l-Gvern qiegħed iwettaq għall-iżvilupp kontinwu tal-gżejjer Maltin, b’mod partikolari, ta’ Għawdex. Il-proġett li minnu tifforma parti l-faċilita’ inawgurata dalgħodu jidħol bis-sħiħ fl-istrateġija tal-Gvern għall-iżvilupp ta’ Għawdex għaliex għandu l-għan li jtejjeb il-prodott turistiku tal-gżira, b’mod partikolari permezz ta’ niċeċ speċjalizzati li jsaħħu l-kwalitajiet ta’ din id-destinazzjoni unika. Fl-istess ħin, fondi ta’ l-Unjoni Ewropea qed jiġu investiti fi proġetti u inizjattivi li għandu jkollhom impatt dirett fuq l-iżvilupp ekonomiku tal-gżira, filwaqt li fl-istess ħin, itejbu l-faċilitajiet offruti lill-komunita’. Dan huwa l-każ bl-inawgurazzjoni ta’ dan il-proġett – faċilita’ li ser ittejjeb il-provvista ta’ servizzi mediċi f’Għawdex, mhux biss għall-għaddasa imma wkoll għal pazjenti b’kundizzjonijiet partikolari ta’ l-Isptar Ġenerali t’Għawdex. Il-Gvern, qal il-Prim Ministru, huwa kommess li jkompli jtejjeb is-servizzi tas-saħħa f’Għawdex u matul is-snin kompla jinvesta bis-sħiħ fit-titjib ta’ faċilitajiet u servizzi offruti mill-Isptar Ġenerali t’Għawdex.

Il-Prim Ministru rrefera wkoll għall-fatt illi Malta kienet l-ewwel pajjiż, fost il-ħamsa u għoxrin pajjiż membru ta’ l-UnjoniEwropea, li tagħha ġie aċċettat il-programm ta’ proġetti u inizjattivi li minnhom ser tkun qed tibbenefika waqt il-perjodu finanzjarju 2007-2013. Il-Prim Ministru qal ukoll li għal darb’oħra Għawdex ser jerġa’ jitqies bħala prijorita’ fil-programm tal-Gvern – din id-darba prijorita’ fost ħames prijoritajiet.

L-Onor. Giovanna Debono, Ministru għal Għawdex qalet li l-okkażjoni ta’ dalgħodu hija pass ieħor sinjifikanti ’l quddiem fl-iżvilupp tal-prodott turistiku li Għawdex joffri lill-viżitaturi. Il-Gvern qiegħed jinvesti b’mod qawwi fit-titjib ta’ l-infrastruttura turistika u l-faċilitajiet offruti minn Għawdex. L-okkażjoni ta’ dalgħodu hija konferma ta’ l-importanza li l-Gvern kontinwament qiegħed jagħti lil Għawdex, b’mod partikolari lejn l-iżvilupp ta’ l-ekonomija tal-gżira. Il-Ministru Debono qalet li l-inawgurazzjoni tal-proġett kienet possibbli wara li l-Ministeru għal Għawdex żamm djalogu kontinwu mal-korpi kostitwiti Għawdxin li flimkien identifikaw in-niċċa turistika ta’ l-għadds bħala waħda b’potenzjal għal iktar tkabbir.

Il-Ministru Debono qalet ukoll li l-Gvern huwa kommess li jkompli bi programm ta’ modernizzar u fil-fatt iddirezzjoni fondi tal-Gvern Malti u ta’ l-Unjoni Ewropea lejn it-titjib ta’ diversi faċilitajiet marbuta mat-turiżmu f’Għawdex, fosthom għat-twaqqif ta’ faċilita’ fil-Qala għat-taħriġ tal-ħaddiema fit-turiżmu, it-titjib tal-Mużew ta’ l-Arkeoloġija li jinsab fiċ-Ċittadella, u t-titjib ta’ diversi toroq arterjali li jwasslu għal attrazzjonijijiet turistiċi. Iktar proġetti marbuta mat-turiżmu ser jitwettqu fis-snin li ġejjin, b’mod partikolari permezz ta’ 10% tal-fondi ta’ l-Unjoni Ewropea għall-perjodu finanzjarju 2007-2013 li l-Gvern Malti reġa’ alloka b’mod speċifiku għal Għawdex.

Waqt l-attivita’ ta’ dalgħodu tqassmu ċertifikati lil ħaddiema fl-Isptar Ġenerali t’Għawdex li segwew korsijiet ta’ taħriġ marbuta ma’ l-operat tal-hyperbaric unit ġdida. Fl-istess okkażjoni ġie mniedi dokumentarju bl-Ingliż li għandu l-għan li jirreklama lil Għawdex bħala destinazzjoni turistika, b’aċċenn fuq l-attrazzjonijiet taħt il-baħar u anke dawk ta’ fuq l-art. Dan id-dokumentarju huwa parti mill-inizjattivi ta’ marketing li ħaseb għalihom dan il-proġett.

16.12.2006

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Niche Tourism for the Island of Gozo

Why the need for this project?

Prior to Malta’s Accession to the European Union, the European Commission had commissioned a study entitled, Special Needs Assessment Study for the Island of Gozo. The study highlighted Gozo’s particularities, especially its handicaps, and identified ways how these could be mitigated. The Gozo Business Chamber (GBC) and the Gozo Tourism Association (GTA) were active stakeholders as they were consulted throughout this study. The need for more exploitation of niche tourism areas, including diving, was particularly highlighted.

The GBC and the GTA are also represented on the Gozo Regional Projects Committee that the Ministry for Gozo set up in 2004. The Gozo Regional Projects Committee decided on the list of projects that were submitted to the Project Selection Committee for EU funding, for the 2004-2006 period. The Niche Tourism for the Island of Gozo project was listed amongst the infrastructural projects, including those that are intended towards improving the tourism industry on Gozo, such as the Tourism Training Facility project in Qala and the Museum of Archaeology Display project.

What does this project consist of?

The project is made up of four components:

a) Studies and Master Plan for the diving industry in Gozo
b) The setting up of a Hyperbaric Facility on Gozo
c) The creation of more Artificial Dive Sites in Gozo
d) Marketing Gozo as a diving destination in the international markets.

Why these components?

The Studies and Master Plan are being implemented to provide a clear picture of the diving industry in Gozo and identify measures to be taken to improve the industry.

The need for the Hyperbaric Facility or Recompression Chamber has long been felt. Divers look out for this facility when choosing their diving destination. The availability of this facility may, at times, mean the difference between life and death. The facility will serve as an added tool to attract divers to Gozo, besides providing an added medical service at the Gozo General Hospital.

Gozo boasts of several natural underwater attractions. The Blue Hole in Dwejra is classified amongst the top ten diving sites in Europe. Yet, several factors imply the need for additional underwater attractions including artificial ones. The scuttling of vessels provides such added attractions. The mv Karwela and mv Cominoland will be sunk off ix-Xatt l-Ahmar.

Marketing is essential to any tourism product offering. Specific international media is being tackled, together with the creation of a specialised website and other promotional material.

What is the investment needed for this project?

€1.2 million have been allocated for this project. It is being funded under the European Union’s Regional Development Fund (ERDF), from the Structural Funds Programme for Malta 2004-2006. The co-financing rate is 75% EU funds, 25% Government of Malta funds.

When will it be implemented?

Several phases are already in hand. The scuttling of the two vessels should be undertaken towards the end of the month. The Master Plan for Diving should be presented towards the end of summer. The Recompression Facility should be functional by end of year. All the project components should be completed by end of 2006.

Communications Office – Ministry for Gozo
14.07.2006

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PRESS RELEASE

Scuttling of two vessels scheduled for Saturday 12th August

Two vessels will be scuttled off ix-Xatt l-Ahmar in Gozo, on Saturday, as part of the EU co-funded Ministry for Gozo project Niche Tourism for the Island of Gozo, which involves the investment of around €1.2 million to boost diving tourism for Gozo.

The vessels, the mv Karwela and the mv Cominoland, will be scuttled between 10am and 4pm. The general public, wishing to witness this event, is encouraged to attend. Persons wishing to follow the event from their own boats are urged to follow the safety directions on site.

In case of adverse weather, the event will have to be postponed. In this case, the general public is advised to check updates on the project website: http://www.discoveringgozo.com

09.08.2006

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STQARRIJA LILL-ISTAMPA

Jitgharrqu zewg vapuri nhar is-Sibt 12 t’Awissu

Zewg vapuri ser jitgharrqu qrib ix-Xatt l-Ahmar f’Ghawdex nhar is-Sibt, bhala parti mill-progett tal-Ministeru ghal Ghawdex b’kofinanzjament ta’ l-Unjoni Ewropea, Niche Tourism for the Island of Gozo, li jinvolvi l-investiment ta’ madwar €1.2 miljun ghat-titjib ta’ l-industrija tad-diving f’Ghawdex.

Il-vapuri, li huma l-mv Karwela u l-mv Cominoland, se jitgharrqu bejn l-10am u l-4pm. Il-pubbliku generali li jixtieq isegwi mill-qrib din l-attivita’ huwa mistieden li jattendi. Dawk li jixtiequ jsegwu abbord id-dghajjes taghhom huma mhegga jimxu mad-direzzjonijiet ta’ sigurta’ li jinghataw fuq il-post.

F’kaz ta’ maltemp din l-attivita’ ikollha tigi posposta. F’dan il-kaz, il-pubbliku huwa mheggeg jikkonsulta s-sit elettroniku tal-progett: http://www.discoveringgozo.com

09.08.2006

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PRESS RELEASE

Gozo benefiting from specific tourism-related projects

Two vessels – the mv Karwela and the mv Cominoland – were sunk off ix-Xatt l-Ahmar in Gozo this afternoon during an event that attracted a sizeable crowd that took to the coastline to watch the spectacular phase of this much awaited project. The activity formed part of the Ministry for Gozo Niche Tourism Project for the island of Gozo that targets the specialised tourism market of diving.

Through the Structural Funds Programme for Malta 2004-2006, under the European Regional Development Funds, Gozo is presently benefiting from a €1.3 million project specifically targeted towards enhancing the diving industry. Besides the scuttling of the two vessels the project consists of three more elements:

• The setting up of a decompression chamber, which will be ready by end of November;
• The carrying out of a master plan for diving, which will be presented by end of summer; and
• The marketing of Gozo as a diving destination in international media which will continue through 2006.

Besides this project, other tourism-oriented projects are benefiting from EU co-financing. The projects include the setting of the Tourism Training Facility in Qala to improve service offered from the catering establishments, the Museum of Archaeology display project and roads projects. Together these projects involve the investment of millions of Euros, 75% of which are being funded through the European Union, and 25% of which are Government of Malta funds.

Speaking during today’s activity, the Hon. Dr. Lawrence Gonzi, Prime Minister said that the island of Gozo is benefiting from direct and specific projects earmarked to improve the tourism product which is one of the main economic pillars for the island. Government recognises the island’s opportunities for growth in the tourism industry and is investing heavily in upgrading the product and service that Gozo offers to its visitors, more notably on areas that enhance the island’s distinctive characteristics. National and European Union funds are being directed towards the improvement of the tourism aspect on Gozo while other areas of economic significance are also being addressed by Government.

Government is committed in giving Gozo due attention and this is evident not only from the number of capital projects that are currently underway on the island but also through the importance that Government gives to Gozo in the national framework. The Hon. Dr. Lawrence Gonzi referred to the publication of the pre-budget document, entitled Securing Our Future, in which a separate chapter proposing a socio-economic strategy for Gozo was included. This chapter includes several measures earmarked to address the economic and social dimensions of the island, including a particular focus on tourism amongst other areas of economic importance. The Hon. Dr. Lawrence Gonzi said that the Niche Tourism Project for the Island of Gozo is only one from a series of projects earmarked to upgrade the island, mentioning other projects that are currently underway – the Mgarr Terminal project, the Crafts Incubation Centre, the Museum of Archaeology project, the Tourism Training Facility, the Waste Water Treatment Plant project and other projects that are in the pipeline such as the Waste Transfer Station.

The Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo said that the event today marked a significant step ahead in the provision of added attractions to the tourism industry on Gozo. Diving has long been felt as a niche area that could be further developed, and the creation of another two artificial dive sites will boost the product on offer. The setting up of a decompression chamber at the Gozo General Hospital will add another medical service available to locals and improve safety standards for diving around Gozo. The diving master plan is also a much needed tool that will assist Government in continuing boosting this industry.

Minister Debono said that the Niche Tourism Project for the Island of Gozo is possible after Government decided to allocate 10% of the EU’s Structural and Cohesion Funds specifically to Gozo. Government has already decided that another 10% will be allocated to Gozo from the European Union’s budget for 2007-2013.

Prior to the scuttling of the two vessels, the Prime Minister and the Minister for Gozo visited the site at the Gozo General Hospital where construction works are presently ongoing for the setting up of a decompression chamber.

12.08.2006

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PRESS RELEASE

“Perfect landing” for the two scuttled vessels

The mv Karwela and the mv Cominoland have rested in a perfect position at the seabed, 35 metres down from sea level, at ix-Xatt l-Ahmar, after a lengthy operation to scuttle the two vessels on Saturday, employing a technique that was used for the first time in Malta.

Divers who monitored the scuttling operation checked the vessels’ standing right after the operation as well as this week. They have confirmed that the vessels have landed in a “perfect upright position”, thus turning the two withdrawn vessels into modern attractions underwater that should strongly boost the diving product on Gozo.

Ix-Xatt l-Ahmar was chosen for its lack of natural attractions as well as it being sheltered from the strong prevailing winds that usually turn popular sites such as Dwejra and Marsalforn inaccessible.

The scuttling of the two vessels formed part of a Ministry for Gozo project entitled Niche Tourism for the Island of Gozo, involving the investment of €1.3 million through the Structural Funds Programme for Malta 2004-2006, specifically through the European Regional Development Fund. Besides the scuttling of the two vessels, the project also involves the setting up of a decompression chamber at the Gozo General Hospital, the carrying out of a master plan for diving and a marketing campaign to promote Gozo as a diving destination through international media. The projects’ components will all come to end by end of 2006.

17.08.2006

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STQARRIJA LILL-ISTAMPA

“Pozizzjoni perfetta” ghaz-zewg vapuri mgharrqa

L-mv Karwela u l-mv Cominoland striehu f’pozizzjoni perfetta f’qiegh il-bahar, 35 metru ‘l isfel mil-livell tal-bahar, fil-bajja tax-Xatt l-Ahmar, wara operazzjoni twila sabiex iz-zewg vapuri gew mgharrqa nhar is-Sibt, bl-involviment ta’ teknika li ntuzat ghall-ewwel darba f’Malta.

Bughaddasa li kienu qed jissorveljaw l-operazzjoni ta’ l-gharqa iccekkjaw il-pozizzjoni tal-vapuri hekk kif nizlu f’qiegh il-bahar kif ukoll din il-gimgha. Huma kkonfermaw li z-zewg vapuri nizlu f’”pozizzjoni wieqfa u perfetta” u allura issa nbidlu f’zewg attrazzjonijiet ta’ taht il-bahar li mistennija jtejbu bis-shih il-prodott turistiku marbut ma’ l-ghadds f’Ghawdex.

Is-sit tax-Xatt l-Ahmar intuza minhabba li mhuwhiex moghni b’attrazzjonijiet naturali taht il-bahar u ghaliex huwa kenni mill-hafna irjehat li normalment jaghmlu inaccessibbli z-zoni popolari tad-Dwejra u Marsalforn.

L-gharqa ta’ dawn iz-zewg vapuri tifforma parti mill-progett Niche Tourism for the Island of Gozo, bl-investiment ta’ €1.3 miljun permezz tal-Fondi Strutturali ghal Malta 2004-2006, specifikament permezz tal-Fond Ewropew ghall-Izvilupp Regjonali. Minbarra l-gharqa ta’ dawn il-vapuri, il-progett jinvolvi wkoll it-twaqqif ta’ decompression chamber fl-Isptar Generali ta’ Ghawdex, it-twettieq ta’ master plan ghal dan is-settur u t-twettieq ta’ kampanja pubblicitarja barra minn Malta biex tirreklama lil Ghawdex bhala destinazzjoni ghall-ghadds fil-media internazzjonali. L-elementi kollha tal-progett se jigu fi tmiemhom sa l-ahhar ta’ din is-sena.

17.08.2006

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