Details on the individual projects
a) Feasibility Study for Tourism Satellite Accounts
The MTA has been awarded a grant by the Tourism Unit within DG Enterprise of the European Commission to cover 30% of the costs related to the execution of a feasibility study for Tourism Satellite Accounts. This projects is being led by the Strategic Planning and Research Division, in collaboration with the National Statistics Office and the Central Bank of Malta. The project will span the period December 2003 – September 2004. The total estimated value of the feasibility study is around EUR 48,000.
Contact persons: Mr. Keith Grech keith.grech@visitmalta.com
Ms. Tania Sultana tania.sultana@visitmalta.com
b) Skills Analysis and Employment Forecasts 2004-2008 for the Maltese Tourism Industry
The MTA has been awarded pre-accession funding of EUR 5,000 for the carrying out of a Skills Analysis and Employment Forecasts 2004-2008 for the Maltese Tourism Industry. This project is linked to the execution of the tourism-related projects falling under the European Social Fund programming period 2004-2006. The aim of the project is to identify skills gaps and skill shortages in the tourism industry and to identify the employment levels required in the tourism industry within the five-year period (2004-2008).
Contact persons: Ms. Claire Said claire.said@visitmalta.com
Ms. Tania Sultana tania.sultana@visitmalta.com
c) TAIEX Expert mission on EU Travel & Package Directives
The MTA has been awarded pre-accession funding from DG Enlargement (Technical Assistance Office) to host an expert mission with the aim of providing training to MTA’s Enforcement Directorate on the implementation and monitoring of the EU Travel and Package Directives. This project was submitted originally in June 2003, has been approved by the Commission during April 2004 and will be carried out in November 2004. The project is being co-ordinated in its technical aspects by the Strategic Planning and Research Division and will be implemented by the Enforcement Directorate. The cost of the project (estimated at over EUR 100,000) will be entirely covered by European Commission funds.
Contact persons: Mr. Frank Farrugia frank.farrugia@visitmalta.com
d) Structural Funds Projects
The Strategic Planning and Research Division has submitted three projects for co-funding through the Structural Funds (programming period 2004-2006): (a) A Grant Scheme for Tourism Enterprises falling under ERDF; (b) a Tourism Product Improvements Project falling under ERDF; and (c) a Tourism and Support Services Training Programme under ESF. Project leaders are: for project (a) the Strategic Planning and Reseaerch Division; for project (b) the Product Planning and Development Directorate; and for project (c) the Human Resources and Support Services Directorate. In addition, the Strategic Planning and Research Division has been providing assistance to Heritage Malta for the submission of a project for the Conservation and Interpretation of Heritage Sites, under ERDF, and will be co-responsible for the monitoring of the project together with Heritage Malta. The total value of projects proposed under Structural Funds by MTA is circa EUR 3,900,000, while that for Heritage Malta is circa EUR 3,500,000.
Contact persons: Mr. Caldon Mercieca caldon.mercieca@visitmalta.com
Ms. Marie Louise Mangion mlmangion@visitmalta.com
e) European Economic Area Financial Mechanism
The Strategic Planning and Research Division has submitted 2 proposals under the current call for the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism, one involving a Grant Scheme for Cultural and Tourism NGOs, and the other involving a Grant Scheme for the Promotion of Gozo Farmhouse Accommodation. The estimated value for each of these schemes is EUR 250,000, which will be 75% financed from the EEA funds and 25% financed from the applicant NGOs/enterprises. The MTA is also participating in the preparatory work for the submission of an INTERREG 3 C project proposal with the following international partners: Ireland, Slovenia, and Italy. Tourism and Cultural NGOs, associations and private sector partners will be eligible to participate and promote their own mini-projects under the INTERREG initiative.
Contact persons: Mr. Caldon Mercieca caldon.mercieca@visitmalta.com
Ms. Marie Louise Mangion mlmangion@visitmalta.com
