A unique and joyful experience

This weekend Gozo will be transformed into a kaleidoscope of events being held as part of Lejlet Lapsi, Notte Gozitana. The Notte Bianca and Notte Magica events have set high standards and, as a result, the expectations for this new event are equally high. I am sure these expectations will be met and surpassed.

The events on programme are varied and spread out to suit the needs and appeal of different audiences. With a family oriented character Lejlet Lapsi will also attract the younger generation, particularly for the late-night events today. Opera followers, history buffs, crafts enthusiasts, food lovers and many more will revel in the plethora of activities that will be unfolding as the weekend develops. You have myriad reasons to be in Gozo this weekend. My advice to you is to be there and participate in as many events as possible.

This is the first Notte Bianca event being held outside of Valletta. Valletta is in itself a crowd puller and, therefore, lends itself automatically to large-scale public events. Undoubtedly, Gozo has the same pull. Over the past years, during long weekends and events such as carnival, Gozo has established itself as the most favoured holiday destination of the Maltese. We want to encourage this trend. In the National Tourism Plan, published last December, the government specifically declared its intention to increase domestic tourism to Gozo especially during the winter months. We said we wanted to increase cultural events in Gozo because we believe that such events can serve to increase visitor numbers to this island. Notte Gozitana will help to achieve both these aims.

Of course, there are other equally important reasons. Gozo is enviably rich in cultural and historical terms. We want to flaunt these riches. The events held in Valletta clearly demonstrated that the Maltese are keen to discover more about their history and culture and would preferably like to do so as part of a fun-packed experience. In Valletta people were alternating between auberges or museums and concerts, meals or other activities, all in an informal and casual environment. The feeling of discovery that many Maltese experienced in Valletta during the past two Notte events is now being repeated in Gozo.

We also want to showcase our country's art and artists. This summer's calendar of events is packed like never before. As a ministry we want to ensure that Maltese artists find their rightful space in this calendar. We want to help connect artists with audiences. This happened in the previous Notte events and I am sure will happen again this weekend.

The preparatory work for such large-scale events is appreciated by those who have experience in organising such occasions. This event is being co-organised by the Ministry for Tourism and Culture and the Ministry for Gozo. My gratitude goes to those within these ministries who gave their all in order to build on the previous levels of success. My gratitude also extends to the Police Corps who are working hand in hand with us to ensure a successful event and to the public transport operators who are putting on extra trips to meet the expected demand.

During this weekend, Gozo will be yours, yours to discover. From my own past experience of the island, I can only vouch that it provides for a unique and joyful experience that we shall cherish and wish to repeat again in the future.

My commitment is that as a crucial component of the Notte Bianca series, this will be one more regular item in our thoroughly packed cultural events' calendar that is ultimately meant to boost not only our own experience and enjoyment but also to serve as a magnet for more tourists to visit Malta and Gozo and go back home determined to return.

Dr Francis Zammit Dimech is Minister for Tourism and Culture.