Booklets on three country walks

The Malta Tourism Authority's product planning and development directorate yesterday launched information booklets on three countryside walks at Girgenti, Bahrija and Dwejra Lines.

Tourism Minister Michael Refalo visited Dwejra Lines for the launch.

He said that popular international tourism programmes began in the '60s.

"Since then tourism has become more individual and travellers seek to gain an experience in addition to holidaymaking and relaxation.

"We have now reached a third phase in the industry's development as travellers look for alternative and foreign venues in which to enjoy their favourite hobbies. Walking in the countryside is one such activity.

"I was pleased to learn that some hotels in Gozo have increased their low season occupancy levels precisely because Gozo offers such wonderful opportunities for the country walks," he said.

The walks follow an agreement reached between the authority and the Works Division. The latter will be providing human and other resources for countryside management along all these routes.

The booklets include information and a map.

They will be distributed to promote countryside walks in overseas fairs and are available for sale from most local bookshops and souvenir outlets.

The text was written by Joe Borg. Photography is by Alex Bugeja, while maps were prepared by André Micallef Grimaud.