Manuel Sultana, barman at Café Jubilee in Victoria, was presented with the Gozo Tourism Worker of the Year Award 2017 during a ceremony organised by the Gozo Tourism Association at the Grand Hotel Gozo in Għajnsielem.

Now in its 10th year, this annual event recognises exceptional service by people who work in the tourism industry.

Other awards went to Richard Galea, head waiter at Ta’ Philip Restaurant, who was presented with the Gozo Young Tourism Worker of the Year Award, while the Gozo Tourism Entrepreneurship Award was won by Anna Azzopardi and Sonia Teuma of Ta’ Maria Holiday Accommodation.

The Gozo Cultural Achievement Tourism Award, introduced for the first time, was awarded to the Xaghra Historical Reenactment Organisation.

The Gozo Tourism Association Council awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in Tourism to the late Victor Bajada of Gozo Prestige Holidays for his investment and achievements in the tourism sector over the past years.

The winners were announced by Paul Pisani, chairman of the adjudicating board, which also included Joseph Psaila and John Busuttil.

The awards were presented by Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana, Malta Tourism Authority chairman Gavin Gulia and Malta Tourism Authority CEO Paul Bugeja.

While congratulating the winners, Dr Caruana spoke about the importance of human resources in the tourism sector and thanked all workers and entrepreneurs in the Gozitan tourism industry. She also spoke about the challenges of accessibility and connectivity between the two islands.

“We are working on different ideas for more efficient and effective connectivity by land, sea and air.

“During this legislature the heliport is being given due importance for an appropriate air service; the sea service will be complemented by a fast ferry and discussions are on the way for a fourth ferry,” the Minister said.