June 06 - Improvements To Tourist Sites
The first phase of the Government’s programme to carry out improvements to the tourism product has come to fruition. Works have already been completed at the Great Siege Tunnels, Moorish Castle, the 100 Ton Gun exhibition, St Michael’s Cave, Jews’ Gate, Apes’ Den, the Gibraltar Cruise Terminal and Waterport Fountain along with minor works at other locations.
In particular, attention has been given to providing enhanced or new accessible facilities. This has included the refurbishment and provision of toilet facilities and improved access at St Michael’s Cave, including the provision of a specialised lift at the new entrance to enable guests to view the Cave from the first landing.
The Gibraltar Tourist Board has also introduced a portable induction loop system to assist visitors with hearing aids and is now also looking at providing enhancements for visitors with impaired vision. These initiatives will be of obvious benefit to tourists but, in line with Government’s policy, the improvements will also provide a more inclusive and accessible environment for members of the community.
Commenting on the improvements Neil Costa, the Minister for Tourism, said:"Her Majesty's Government of Gibraltar has, in a relatively short period of time, brought new and much needed improvements to the tourism product. This first phase is a testament to the clear commitment of the Government to tourism and to investment in the product. These improvements, along with the Gibraltar Tourist Board’s constant drive to pursue other product improvements and to market Gibraltar effectively, will no doubt contribute to the confidence in Gibraltar’s tourism industry. I am delighted at the results of this first phase and look forward to the next set of improvements which will materialise this year. All those involved have worked very hard to bring these projects to fruition and I am extremely grateful for their efforts. I would, however, like to single out Dylan Sheriff, Alain Gatt, Suyenne Catania and the Upper Rock team of the GTB who have worked tirelessly on these projects.”
