The Gozo Tourism Association (GTA) conferred the first 'Tourism worker of the year - Gozo 2008' award during a special evening organized for the occasion. It is envisaged that this award will become established in the GTA's annual calendar of events.

The first winner of this title was announced by Chief Justice Dr V. Caruana Colombo LLD, chairman of the selection board which was especially set up for this purpose. After reading out the details of the jury report, Dr Caruana Colombo announced that, the winner amongst eleven nominees was Mr Sammy Rapa, General Manager of a distinguished hotel in Gozo, who throughout his career always worked in established hotels on the island. In fact, the main aim behind the establishment of the 'Tourism Worker of the Year - Gozo award' was that of giving due recognition to the service and dedication given by the employees in this sector. It is also intended, that through this award more Gozitan youths will appreciate the value of this sector for Gozo and the job opportunities it offers. Sammy Rapa is also Ghajnsielem F.C. President

The evening was conducted by popular presenter Charles Saliba whilst the Gozitan choir Chorus Urbanus, interpreted several musical pieces under the direction of Mro. John Galea.

The Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, presided over the event and presented the winner with a trophy. She praised this initiative taken by the GTA describing it as another initiative in a series of endeavours carried out by this Association in Gozo. Minister for Gozo said that the merit of the initiative taken by her Ministry ten years ago, which led to the establishment of the GTA, can be better appreciated today. Through continuous collaboration, Gozo has been recognized as a distinct destination with unique characteristics. This resulted in a significant improvement within the tourism sector, and apart from the increase in the number of foreign tourists, the domestic market has also become established.

Mr Sammy Rapa, the first awardee of this title, explained how he had started a career in tourism upon the advice given by his school headmaster. He augured that more Gozitan students would be given similar advice in their respective schools, as this will ascertain that tourism industry in Gozo will continue to offer the authentic Gozitan service.