The Ministry for Gozo has recently launched two new schemes as an incentive for the tourism industry in Gozo.
Scheme one – Supporting Marketing Initiatives for specific niche tourism markets in Gozo 2022
The business entities eligible to benefit from this scheme can be based either in Malta or in Gozo. They must be licensed tourism operators/dive-centres registered with the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) or must hold a valid operating licence.
The support of marketing initiatives is available for the below two marketing categories and which are targeted to Gozo related content, promoting Gozo as a holiday destination:
- Participation in specialised fairs/events abroad and/or;
- Advertising on an international level.
The scheme will cover 75% of the eligible expenditure up to a maximum of €4,000 in the case of entities which decide to undertake both advertising initiatives and participation in international fairs/events abroad. The maximum amount will be reduced to €3,000 in the case of entities which decide to undertake either advertising in publications / social media / on-line / television targeted to a foreign audience and where Gozo is clearly communicated as a holiday destination or participation in international fairs/events abroad with the objective of promoting Gozo as a holiday destination.
The Directorate Tourism and Economic Development does not exclude other niche markets that are not listed above, depending on the segment’s potential contribution to qualitative and sustainable tourism.
All the documentation required for the reimbursement of funds, must be submitted by not later than 30th November 2022. The scheme will be mainly supporting the promotion of the following niche tourism markets (in no particular order):
- Crafts & Artisanal Products
- Sports & Adventure Tourism including diving
- Gozo as a Wedding destination
- Local Delicacies and Gastronomy
- Gozo as a Health and Well-Being destination
- Hosting of MICE activities in Gozo (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events)
- Religious Tourism
Scheme Two – Supporting the Adventurous Tourism Industry in Gozo through Hiring Equipment Refund Scheme
The business entities eligible to benefit from this scheme must be based in Gozo and are operating in the Adventure Tourism industry. They must be licensed tourism operators/dive-centres registered with the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) or must hold a valid operating licence.
The scheme will provide businesses with a cash grant which will cover 50% of the cost of eligible equipment, up to a maximum of €5,000 which will be paid in two tranches. 50% of the eligible grant will be paid as son as the applicant provides proof of purchase, while the remaining 50% will be paid after the elapse of one year from the date pf purchase following the receipt of the documentation required.
Activities within this industry which are eligible for funding under this scheme include (in no particular order):
- Abseiling, rock climbing and bouldering
- Water sports
- Diving
- Cycling
- Segways
- Safety equipment related to adventurous activities
The Directorate of Tourism and Economic Development does not exclude business entities carrying out any other adventure activities not listed above, depending on their potential contribution to qualitative and sustainable tourism.
The business entity must be in possession of a valid insurance cover recognising its capacity as operator within the particular tourism activity. Furthermore, to be eligible to benefit from this scheme, the equipment shall be purchased between 1st July 2022 and 31st December 2023. Expenditure incurred prior to the 1st July 2022 will NOT be considered eligible.
All the documentation required for the reimbursement of funds, should be sent to the Directorate within three weeks from the purchasing of equipment and within three weeks from the elapse of the one-year period referred to above.
