About the GTA

The GTA. A Brief History

The Gozo Tourism Association was set up during a general meeting held for all tourism operators in Gozo on the 11th February 1999.

The main objectives of the Gozo Tourism Association as spelled out in its statute are:

• To unite all persons, companies, partnerships or associations, operating in the tourism industry in Gozo.
• To promote Gozo as an all year round distinct tourist destination.
• To secure, foster and promote the fullest co-operation of the members of the Association in dealing with all questions concerning and affecting the tourist industry.
• To protect and promote the interest of the members of the Association.

The Association incorporates all sectors in the tourism industry including the hotels, Boutique Hotels, Guesthouses, B&Bs, restaurants, diving centres, self catering establishments, estate agents, tourist attractions, DMC’S and other sectors related to or have direct interest in tourism.
The Association is governed by a Council formed of fourteen members representing the various sectors elected each year during an Annual General Meeting. The business of the Association is conducted by the Executive Council, while the running of the Gozo Tourism Association’s office is administered by the Chief Executive Officer.

Since its inception, the Gozo Tourism Association has taken various initiatives to meet the objective afore mentioned. Some of these initiatives include several publications like ‘Gozo-Island of Myths and Miracles’, a gift book Gozo- The Hidden Treasures, as well as the Association’s quarterly Newsletter ‘Destination Gozo’. Another publication is the Gozo Service Directory (five editions) which is an asset for those who are planning a holiday on Gozo, since it includes the majority of the establishments found on the island of Gozo. The Association also commissioned various studies covering the marketing, management and human resources of tourism on Gozo. Other initiatives taken by GTA were, the scuttling of MV Xlendi, MV Karwela and MV Cominoland on the South Coast of Gozo to act as artificial wrecks for diving.

The Gozo Tourism Association also introduced and organizes the annual Gozo Tourism Awards. These awards serve as a recognition towards the services being given by all the Workers, Entrepreneurs and other entities engaged and involved in the tourism industry on Gozo
Furthermore during all these years the Gozo Tourism Association annually represents destination Gozo in various international tourism fairs held across Europe and including, WTM London, FITUR Madrid, TTG Rimini, ITB Berlin, Top Resa Paris, World Holiday Show Dublin, Destination Manchester, Destination London.

All these accomplishments are the result of the combined efforts of every individual council member who served the Gozo Tourism Association along the years.

Our Mission

The Gozo Tourism Association (GTA) will be the leading industry organisation promoting Gozo as an all-year-round top visitor destination, communicating and promoting the Gozitan tourism industry as one of the islands’ major economic forces, and will be the respected voice of this sector for the growth of the industry, while remaining stewards of the Island’s natural resources, cultures and Gozos’ unique natural characteristics and quality of life.

Envisioned Future

Gozo is recognized as a world-class visitor destination where year-round tourism is treated as an important, sustainable opportunity for economic and resource development.

Gozo is recognized as one of the top 10 world Island destinations.

As a recognized, established and leading industry for Gozo, tourism is a year-round experience with opportunities to engage in natural and cultural connections in urban and rural Gozo and in medium and small-scale options. The Gozo Tourism Association is a recognisable and respected steward of the Gozo’s tourism marketing investment and highlights our positive role as an economic driver in Gozo for the Gozitans.