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Two vessels – the mv Karwela and the mv Cominoland – were sunk off ix-Xatt l-Aħmar in Gozo on Saturday afternoon. The event 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 Saturday’s activity, the Prime Minister, the Hon Lawrence Gonzi 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 Prime Minister 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. Prime Minister 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 Saturday's event 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.
Aqra din l-aħbar bil-Malti:
Zewg vapuri mgharrqa f’Xatt l-Aħmar f’Għawdex
by MaltaMedia News - Aug 13, 2006
See also:
Vessels to become diving attraction
by MaltaMedia News - Aug 9, 2006
© Copyright 2006 - MaltaMedia Online Network
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