Private sector urged to use EU funds for tourism

Tourism businesses should take advantage of EU funds and tap into them to realise innovative projects that would ensure sustainable tourism, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism Mario de Marco said this morning.

He was speaking during the opening of a seminar held to guide businesses to apply for €10 million worth of funds available under the EU’s Grant Scheme for Sustainable Tourism Projects by Enterprises.

Dr de Marco said that in the current economic scenario, doing nothing was not an option, and the government and private sector had to work hand-in-hand. The government had announced measures during the Budget that were aimed at boosting economic activity. It was up to the private sector to maximise opportunities and take advantage of EU funds by proposing projects that promoted responsible tourism that respected and promoted Malta’s unique historical and cultural assets in innovative and sustainable ways.

The grant scheme forms part of the EU Structural Funds Programme for 2007 to 2013. Applications can be submitted until March 30 this year. More details can be viewed on www.tourismschemes.gov.mt