LOCAL NEWS

The Ministry for Gozo launched a new electronic platform, investgozo.gov.mt, which will provide information regarding investment, employment, and studies in Gozo.

Additionally, the platform will also feature information on the incentives available for applicants.

Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri also announced seven schemes aimed at further supporting businesses in Gozo.

“For the first time, we will have an electronic platform and brand for economic development in Gozo. This is essential to enhance and increase Gozo’s local and international visibility on digital platforms. We are also consolidating and streamlining the various incentive opportunities available on one platform. With this, businesses in Gozo will always be updated and informed about the opportunities the Government is offering,” Camilleri said.

The Minister said that the Government’s commitment to continue creating various opportunities for operations in Gozo, will also lead to the creating of more sustainable jobs. Quoting statistics, he said that in recent years in Gozo, employment has increased, as in 2017 there were 11,512 people employed in Gozo, while in 2023 this figure rose to 16,410.

The seven schemes announced are:

1) Supporting Sustainable Quality Employment in Gozo Scheme – The scheme offers partial salary reimbursement, spread over 3 years, for full-time indefinite employment in Gozo.

2) Supporting Knowledge Based Sectors in Gozo Scheme – The scheme will offer partial salary reimbursement for specialized sectoral jobs in Gozo, better known as Knowledge Based Economic Activities. The scheme also includes training incentives.

3) Gozo Teleworking Scheme – This scheme is being reintroduced to continue facilitating the commitment of Gozitan workers in Malta. Furthermore, employees who have already benefited from the scheme for a period of 3 years can now reapply with the consent of their employer.

4) MICE Restoration Scheme – The goal of the scheme is to continue incentivizing investment to enhance the quality of the Gozitan tourism product. The scheme offers financial support for the renovation and improvement of facilities capable of hosting MICE-related activities.

5) Supporting the Adventurous Tourism Industry in Gozo through a Hiring Equipment Refund Scheme – This scheme focuses on the niche of adventure tourism. The aim is to continue supporting operators in this sector to improve the quality of service and the tourism product they offer.

6) Supporting Marketing Initiatives for the Accommodation Sector in Gozo Scheme – This scheme is dedicated to accommodation operators in Gozo, where the offered incentive will support their product and digital commitment. The goal of this scheme is to improve digital competitiveness in the accommodation sector, gaining more visibility in domestic and international markets.

7) Supporting Marketing Initiatives for Specific Niche Markets in Gozo 2024 – This scheme incentivizes operators in specific niches to invest in promoting their product and niche in which they operate. The goal of the scheme is to continue promoting the destination’s experience.

Camilleri concluded by thanking the Tourism and Economic Development Directorate within his ministry for their work on these incentives.

On his part, the Director of Tourism and Economic Development, Ronald Sultana, said that the InvestGozo brand has the primary goal of promoting Gozo in various related forums, while simultaneously promoting the various incentives being administered by the Ministry.

For more information, one should visit the investgozo.gov.mt website, as well as follow the InvestGozo page on social media.