Details of a ‘Travel to Gozo Weekend-Valentine Special,’ was announced by the Minister for Gozo, Dr Anton Refalo this morning. This initiative is being undertaken in collaboration with the Bank of Valletta and with the support of Gozo Channel, Gozo Tourism Association and the Gozo Business Chamber.

Gozo Channel passenger fares will be lowered by almost 50% from €4.65 to €1.50, with fares for non-commercial vehicles reduced from €15.70 to €8.50.

These price reductions will apply to all journeys made between Friday, the 14th of February from 7.15pm, to the first trip on Monday, the 15th of February at 1.30am.

Joe Cordina, Gozo Channel’s Chairman, said that the company will operate according to expected demand and if necessary will also run a shuttle service.

He added that “the company had been successful in being able to reduce losses by € 600,000 without affecting the service. During 2013, Gozo Channel vessels carried 118,500 passengers and 43,500 vehicles over the previous year.”

Gozo Tourism Association Chief Executive Officer Joe Muscat and Michael Grech, President of the Gozo Business Chamber, said that the tourism sector and businesses in Gozo have backed the Government in these schemes, which help reduce the impact of seasonality effects during winter months.

38 tourist establishments will participate in the weekend scheme by offering various special offers, details of which can be found on www.visitgozo.com.

Among the participants will be those offering accommodation services, such as hotels and farmhouses in Gozo, many restaurants scattered all over the island, shops, tourist attractions and even establishments offering authentic typical experiences and products.

The Bank of Valletta Chairperson John Cassar White stated that, “the bank has always held Gozo in high regard. We are eager to assist wherever possible to generate economic growth on this island. This is why we are pleased to be associated with this initiative, which aims at attracting business to Gozo during the low season.”

He added, “over the past years, the Bank has undertaken various initiatives to help promote sustainable development in Gozo, not only from an economic perspective but also in terms of supporting social and cultural initiatives.”

In his closing remarks, the Minister for Gozo mentioned how the Government “is geared towards attracting tourists specifically to the island of Gozo also by incentivizing local internal tourism. In this regard the Government is determined to give back the internal tourism sector the importance it deserves.”

“The Ministry for Gozo believes that there is untapped potential for further growth for the island of Gozo. The Ministry for Gozo is focusing on policies to strengthen Gozo’s unique elements,” the Minister said.

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