The Kalkara Heritage Trail project was inaugurated by the Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi and Parliamentary Secretary for Sport, Recreation and Voluntary Organisations Clifton Grima together with the Kalkara Heritage Association.
This project entails fifteen stainless steel stands posted at important sites in Kalkara providing information in both Maltese and English, as well as a QR code which leads the user to photos and additional information online.
Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said that by means of European funds, acquired through the programme LEADER, we will be promoting the historical and cultural heritage of this locality in an innovative and attractive manner for both young people and tourists who visit.
The same project also provides a tourist map of Kalkara which was designed and printed by designer Alfie Gatt, and which is available free of charge in local shops and information kiosks for tourists located all over Malta and Gozo.
Parliamentary Secretary Zrinzo Azzopardi explained how this map will provide easier access to this heritage trail so that it can be enjoyed by everyone. He concluded by saying that through these projects we continue to strengthen the tourism sector by shifting towards quality tourism.
Parliamentary Secretary Clifton Grima stated that through the NGO Co-Financing Fund, voluntary organisations are being provided with more opportunities to apply for European funds. He emphasised the importance of guiding organisations to European funds, depending on the project they plan on taking up.
As a result of this fund, the Kalkara Heritage Association could put together original educational projects. The parliamentary secretary concluded by encouraging more voluntary organisations to come forward and make use of the various funds available.
A new website has also been launched: www.visitkalkara.com where in addition to downloading the same map, one can access information about the history of Kalkara and other information to help the user interact and integrate in the community and the local businesses.
The coordinator of the project Etienne Camilleri stated that, “The aim of the Kalkara Heritage Association is to put this village on the map as a tourist destination. Now, Maltese tourists and visitors have the opportunity to plan a day or two as an excursion and a walk around Kalkara”. Present for the inauguration were also Hon. Glenn Bedingfield Chairman of the Cottonera Foundation and Mr. Wayne Aquilina Mayor of Kalkara.
80% of this project is co-financed with European funds under measure 3 of the LEADER Program, while 20% comes from the NGO Co-Financing Fund program.
