Xlendi bay in Gozo is to benefit from Malta Tourism Authority funds to ensure its upkeep, Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis said today.
Dr Zammit Lewis made the announcement during a press conference during which Marsalforn and Ħondoq ir-Rummien were formally awarded Beach of Quality flags - a marker of quality one step removed from beaches' coveted Blue Flag status.
MTA funds are already used to fund management costs for Marsalforn and Ħondoq ir-Rummien, to finance life guards in Comino, as well as to allow the GAIA Foundation to ensure the upkeep of Ramla l-Hamra bay.
The Tourism Ministry has valued the deal between the MTA and Gozo ministry at €250,000.
Gozo Minister Anton Refalo said he was very pleased to see Marsalforn and Ħondoq ir-Rummien achieve Beach of Quality status on their first attempt. The ministry's objective, he said, was for them to be recognised as Blue Flag beaches.