ERDF 135: Grant Scheme for Sustainable Tourism Projects by Enterprises

The Scheme directs public financing to licensed enterprises implementing sustainable tourism projects to strengthen their competitiveness. It aims at financing holistic projects so as to have a stronger impact on the sector. As a result the intervention areas identified target the promotion of R & I through the intervention of Product Upgrade and Investment in Equipment, the adoption of new technologies through the intervention in Information and Communication Technology and undertaking environmental practices through the intervention relating to investment in Environmentally Friendly Measures. The intervention areas aim at instigating investment in areas which will make Malta more competitive, this can be done through the intervention area relating to investment in marketing and entrepreneurship, whilst addressing Malta’s weaknesses on service quality, product offer and destination awareness through the intervention area relating to investment in marketing. The scheme supports direct and indirect tourism service providers and SMEs. The financial aid will assist the growth and development of tourism and cultural operators, increase the impetus for the continuous growth of Sustainable Tourism. The scheme envisages directing aid to all types of enterprises giving particular consideration to SMEs that characterise the sector. The scheme is expected to achieve a number of benefits which include increase innovation in the sector and the development of tourism and cultural practices that are economically, environmentally and socially sustainable.

The scheme’s main aim is to strengthen the competitiveness of Malta and of tourism service providers through the promotion of sustainable tourism. It will stimulate investment to improve the quality of services offered, enriching visitors’ experience and satisfaction. This would impact on profitability and turnover, on the type of employment and the quality of life of the locals.

The project also envisages the following results:• co-financing 270 projects by enterprises throughout the duration of the scheme• the adoption of new products and processes by 216 enterprises• diversified product• improved ICT use• improved use of our cultural heritage and assets• improved marketing/destination awareness• sustained jobs• increased contribution to the environment through tourism activitiesThe envisaged results are based upon the problems and challenges identified in the Tourism Policy and in the OP. The IB will ensure the above results through the evaluation and monitoring of the data collected from the Beneficiaries.

The scheme will impact on enterprises’ competitiveness. It will generate new and better employment opportunities whilst supporting existing ones, thus directly affecting the quality of life of the resident population. The envisaged benefits for the target groups are:• development of their tourism offer• improved marketing of their offer• reduced operational costs• adopting ICT applications absorbing new technologies• contribution to the environment• adopt innovative and sustainable practices and processes• become more entrepreneurial• increased turnover and profitability• the economic development of their sector• building on Gozo’s unique characteristics • sustain existing jobs whilst increasing the possibility of creating new and better ones