The government is allocating €250,000 to be used by local councils in the organisation of events in their localities next year.

This is one of a series of measures being undertaken by the government for the development of sustainable localities.

The scheme was launched last year when 33 applications were submitted for the €138,000 allocated for event that year with the events of 27 councils - 15 in Malta and 12 in Gozo, being accepted.

Launching this year’s scheme, parliamentary secretaries Chris Said and Mario de Marco said that it was in line with the government’s objective of diversifying the tourism product offered by Malta, reducing seasonality and providing a better distribution of income within the localities.

The scheme would serve as an incentive for councils to enhance their localities’ cultural heritage through the promotion of traditional activities and the enrichment of local artistic skills and talents, showcasing them for the domestic market and visitors.

The scheme is for events organised between October and May and the aim is to have an event every weekend.

The Malta Tourism Authority would be marketing these events.

Dr de Marco said that 170,000 visitors came to Malta for culture last year and although there were specific tourism zones in the country, there were other areas which had a strong potential to attract tourists. Such a scheme would help make these localities more accessible.