€7.8m embellishment project for Bugibba, Qawra and St Paul's Bay

The Bugibba, Qawra, and St Paul's Bay area will be embellished thanks to a series of projects the government will undertake by summer 2009, Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech said yesterday.

Through an investment of Lm3.3 million (€7.8 million) which the government wants to obtain from the European Union through structural funds available to Malta, a scenic promenade along St Paul's Bay will be created and there will be a new sandy beach in Qawra.

Addressing tourism operators at the New Dolmen Hotel yesterday, Dr Zammit Dimech said the Qawra project, which would improve the leisure area, included open spaces, educational and tourist facilities, a maritime archaeological attraction, a diving institute, a landscaped garden, a Greek theatre, information facilities, kiosks and a car park.

Through the project, which the government had come up with following consultation with stakeholders, access to the coast for swimmers would be improved along with the necessary facilities such as public toilets.

"We believe this development will improve the image of Bugibba and Qawra as a summer resort," the minister said.

In St Paul's Bay, in collaboration with the local council, the promenade will be improved as the authorities are planning to rebuild and widen the pavement between Gillieru restaurant and the St Paul's Bay primary school.

Dr Zammit Dimech said the government was giving priority to the tourist area through a number of activities, the latest being the Malta International Air Show and Festa Muzika.

Malta was applying for EU funds to finance schemes for non-governmental organisations and enterprises engaged in tourist-related projects, the minister said, adding that this would help enhance the tourist product through investment in companies and marketing.