Bank of Valletta is once again playing a leading role in promoting tourism in Gozo. BoV has announced that, in association with the Ministry for Gozo, the Gozo Tourism Association, the Gozo Business Chamber, the Gozo Channel Co. Ltd and the Gozo local councils, it will be working together to take a number of initiatives to promote tourism in Gozo.
On BoV's initiative, a Working Group has been formed to co-ordinate initiatives. The Promoting Tourism in Gozo Working Group is chaired by BoV chief executive officer Tonio Depasquale. Its members are Joe Micallef, permanent secretary, Ministry for Gozo; Victor Borg, president, Gozo Tourism Association; Michael Caruana, president, Gozo Business Chamber; Joe Borg, chairman, Gozo Channel Co. Ltd; and Noel Formosa, Mayor of San Lawrenz, representing the Gozo local councils.
The first meeting of the Promoting Tourism in Gozo Working Group was held earlier this month at BoV's branch in Victoria, Gozo. In a comment following this first meeting, Mr Depasquale said: "Bank of Valletta has a strong association with Gozo. We are active members of the Gozitan community and we have an excellent track record in taking initiatives that promote sustainable development in Gozo.
"Tourism is a main pillar of the Gozitan economy and we are delighted to be leading the Promoting Tourism in Gozo Working Group that will co-ordinate the activities of various interested parties and take new initiatives to promote tourism in Gozo in a number of ways."
Mr Depasquale said the working group will be discussing, planning and implementing a campaign that will have, as its overriding objective, the promotion of tourism in Gozo, particularly during the shoulder months. One of the first initiatives that will be taken will be the printing of a promotional map of Gozo, to be distributed to tourists visiting the island.
BoV's CEO also announced that the first initiative supporting the Promoting Tourism in Gozo campaign is a special lottery being launched by Bank of Valletta, that will run up to September 10. This Gozo-based promotion, during the peak season for tourism in Gozo, is specifically designed to help promote business activity in Gozo during these busy weeks.
"The BoV Cards Gozo Lottery seeks to add value to the internal tourist when shopping, dining, and making use of recreational facilities during their holidays in Gozo," Mr Depasquale said.
All payments made by BoV cards (Cashlink/MasterCard/Visa) in Gozo up to September 10 will enable cardholders to participate in the BoV Cards Gozo Lottery, with attractive prizes, including weekend breaks in Gozo. Merchants will also be able to win a Flyaway Tour for two persons.
Mr Depasquale said everyone stood to gain from the initiative. "We sincerely hope that the initiatives that the Promoting Tourism in Gozo Working Group will be taking over the coming months will result in a positive contribution towards the growth of the tourism sector which is a major pillar of Gozo's economy," he said.