Gozo country walks project launched

The Island of Gozo Country Walks project was launched by Tourism Minister Michael Refalo and Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono on Friday to mark the World Tourism Organisation's International Year of Tourism.

The project is a partnership between the Gozo Ministry, the Tourism Ministry, the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), the Gozo Tourism Association (GTA) and Ta' Gurdan Lighthouse, Ghasri. Local councils, where areas indicated by the routes fall under their direct responsibility, are also collaborating especially with regard to the general and regular clean-up of designated areas.

The Island of Gozo Country Walks project seeks to formally establish walking holidays as a market for Gozo's tourist industry. It is estimated that in the past 25 years a substantial number of tourists visiting the island, did so to explore it on foot. The project outlines a set of country paths, two of which were launched on Friday.

The project will be marketed in specialised tourism fairs - ITB in Berlin, BT in Milan and the World Travel Market in London.

The project is in line with Government's commitment to further promote Gozo as a distinct island destination different from Malta. It taps at a different specialised interest travel group attracted by a particular niche.

The project is also being complemented by two publications which were launched on Friday - The Dahlet Qorrot Walk and the Ta' Gurdan Walk - to serve as promotional tools to attract potential holidaymakers and to accompany readers throughout their trail. The publications, available from leading bookshops in Malta and Gozo, provide information on routes and surrounding areas, a map and photos depicting Gozo's scenery, architecture and wildlife.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Debono said that: "Although the sun and sea have always been the main attractions of the islands, our country will potentially reap huge benefits in presenting unique products so typical of the islands.

"We believe in attracting high-quality tourists who are able to spend all or at least good part of their holiday on the island and who will be able to appreciate Gozo in its entirety and in the most beautiful months."

The project is being complemented by a photo exhibition currently being held at the Gozo Ministry's exhibition hall, Victoria. The exhibition, which displays photographs of panoramic sights and wildlife found on the routes, will also be mounted at foreign specialised tourism fairs in which the MTA and GTA will be participating.