Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection Julia Farrugia Portelli has announced events support schemes in a press conference earlier today. 

Split into three parts, the schemes are divided into a Major Tourism Events Support Scheme (MTESS) which will apply to major tourist-related events taking place between 1st August 2020 and 30th April 2021; a Distinctive Tourism Events Support Scheme (DTESS) Category 1, which will cover events centered on tourism in the community, held in villages, towns and cities taking place between 1st August and 31st December 2020; and a Distinctive Tourism Events Support Scheme (DTESS) Category 2, covering live events held on a wider national scale taking place between 1st August and 31st December 2020.

Applications for funding pertaining to the above must be submitted by 14th August at 2pm, and must meet the criteria of additionality (meeting the minimum level of Government assistance needed for the event to take place); leverage of other funding (ensuring that the event is sustainable and self-sufficient in the long-term); and be of national significance, so as to maximise the value of support from MTA.

Both MTESS and DTESS schemes are available to persons operating within the private sector, as well as registered voluntary organisations. For the MTESS, eligible events should come in at a minimum total cost of €200,000, while for DTESS Category 2, events should have a minimum estimated cost of €50,000. 

All applications will be evaluated by an Evaluation Committee appointed by the Minister for Tourism. The committee, in turn, will provide a synopsis of the outcome of its decision to all applicants. Evaluation results will be published on www.mta.com.mt