Results of the Call for Projects under the Grant Scheme for Tourism Enterprises
(35% co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund)
The Grants Scheme for Tourism Enterprises was launched on the 16th of August 2004, under the Structural Funds Programme for Malta 2004-2006. The total project value for the Scheme, as approved by the Managing Authority (OPM), is of Lm 1,068,376. This will consist of 60% contribution from public funds (European Regional Development Fund – 35%; Malta Governmnet Funds – 25%), with the remaining 40% of the funds coming from the private sector.
158 applications were submitted to the MTA during the first call for project submission. These applications were received from the following eligible categories (a number of operations submitted more than one project):
22 Travel Operations (Destination Management Companies, Incoming Tourism Agents, Excursion Operators)
19 English Language Schools
15 Diving Operations
16 Restaurants
15 Bars/Kiosques
28 Hotels
8 Aparthotel
8 Guesthouses/Hostels
15 Farmhouses
3 Private Museums
4 Tourism Attractions
1 Private Tourism Training Institute
Among these submissions, 37 project applications were received from Gozo-based enterprises.
Following the completion of the evaluation and appraisal process, which was carried out in line with the eligibility and selection criteria specified in the published ‘Guidance Notes for Grant Scheme Applicants’, 54 projects have qualified for funding under the Scheme. In line with the eligibility and selection criteria specified in the Guidance Notes, the remaining 104 application did not qualify for funding for the following reasons:
- 27 applications were ineligible
- 33 applications did not attain the minimum pass-mark
- 44 applications did not attain enough points to qualify for funding
All applicants were informed in writing on the 1st of December 2004 on the outcome of the results.
All funds available under the Scheme were exhausted by the top-ranked 54 projects.
The table below provides a more detailed breakdown of the 54 projects approved for funding, including information on the geographical distribution of the applicants (Malta or Gozo-based).
|
Category of Enterprises |
Malta-based |
Gozo-based |
Total |
|
|
|
Accommodation |
13 |
4 |
17 |
|
Catering |
3 |
6 |
9 |
|
Diving |
6 |
1 |
7 |
|
Tourist Attraction |
2 |
1 |
3 |
|
English Language School |
6 |
1 |
7 |
|
Travel Operator |
9 |
1 |
10 |
|
Private Tourism Training Institute |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
|
|
TOTALS |
40 |
14 |
54 |
Approved projects will be co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (co-financing rate 35%) to finance projects relating to environmental-management systems, upgrading of accessibility facilities for people with mobility problems, physical improvements in the product on offer, as well as projects relating to marketing initiatives (on-line facilities, participation in international fairs, production of marketing material).
The attachment below contains the final ranked list of all submitted projects under the Grant Scheme. A copy of this final ranked list is affixed to the MTA Notice Board (Ground Floor, Auberge d'Italie, Merchants Street Valletta), and at the Ministry for Gozo, Victoria, Gozo.
Description of the Scheme
The MTA is responsible for the implementation of a Grant Scheme for Tourism Enterprises, which will be operating under Measure 1.3 - Support to Enterprise, of the Single Programming Document for Malta 2004-2006.
The aim of the scheme is to increase the competitiveness of tourism service providers in line with the objectives of Priority Axis 1 of the SPD. Support will be provided with the aim of directly influencing investment by the private sector and leading the tourism sector to be more sustainable, in line with existing tourism policies outlined in The Carrying Capacity Assessment for Tourism in the Maltese Islands – Tourism Development Policies 2000-2010. The areas of intervention which will be supported will mainly focus on improving the quality of the physical product being offered by tourism and tourism-related enterprises. Assistance is also available for studies and marketing initiatives.
The main areas of intervention of the support under the Scheme are the following:
-
upgrading interventions related to environmental management systems of enterprises
-
upgrading interventions related to the accessibility of enterprises
-
upgrading interventions on the physical product (infrastructural upgrading)
-
upgrading intervetions on privately-owned immovable heritage resources
-
upgrading and innovative interventions related to information and communications technologies (ICT)
-
marketing interventions through participation in international tourism fairs and workshops.
The Grant Scheme for Tourism Enterprises was launched at a press conference held jointly by the Ministry for Tourism and Culture and the Malta Tourism Authority at St. James Cavalier, Valletta on the 16th of August 2004. The powerpoint presentation delivered during this press conference, containing basic information on the Grant Scheme, is attached here. More detailed information can be found in the Guidance Notes (see below).
Guidance Notes for Grant Scheme Applicants
All Grant Scheme applicants are to make themselves familiar with the Guidance Notes. Four major areas are considered: (a) the general Grant Scheme parameters; (b) which enterprises and what kind of interventions are eligible for co-funding through the Scheme; (c) a description of the horizontal issues which carry 50% of the scoring for submitted projects; and (d) a description of the appraisal process which each submitted project will have to undergo.
Application Form
Applicants are to submit a properly filled in application form together with a list of additional documentation, as detailed in the Guidance Notes. The application form contains a main section, together with two annexes: (a) a declaration of submitted quotations for works to be co-funded by the Scheme, and (b) a declaration on state aid received.
GS_Launch_presentation_16.08.04_1.ppt
