“The general feeling from Gozitan businesses is that during the Christmas period, business was better than that of the same time in 2013. Some businesses recorded an increase of between 10% and 15%, with others reporting an increase of between 25% and 35%.”

This was announced by the Minister for Gozo Dr Anton Refalo during visits made to various business operators this morning. He said that there had also been good feedback from restaurants over every weekend, with some remaining open all day due to the large amount of customers.

101 850 visitors went to Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem, an increase of almost 30,000 on the previous year, the Minister said.

Hotel accommodation reported relatively good business, many hotels had high occupancy rates, especially over the last weekend of the year.

The same was reported for farmhouses, with many saying that New Year was very good, as people chose to celebrate in a farmhouse rather than a restaurant. The smaller operators also benefited from this fashion by renting the property to the domestic market, including Gozitans.

The Minister said that for the end of the year there were mixed reports from restaurants. But this was expected due to the new habit of staying in farmhouses.

Businesses in the top part of Victoria recorded a decrease in business due to the ongoing road works. The Minister for Gozo said that overall, the efforts made by the Christmas in Gozo Campaign, together with the advertising was successful, however on particular days, such as when it was stormy, it made many people hesitant to cross to Gozo.

The competition to win a trip to Disney Land Paris, was won by Jacob Attard from Zebbug Gozo, and next March, he will go with a relative on a four-day tour to the attraction

Dr Refalo said stated “we must not stop here. I have asked that at the end of the month, the Christmas in Gozo Committee prepare an evaluation of the entire programme undertaken and where necessary improvements that can be made, as well as necessary recommendations to be considered, in the planning of the programme for this year.”

The Minister thanked everyone who chose to visit Gozo for Christmas time, as well as the various artists and volunteers who played a role in a number of the attractions. He also thanked the commercial operators that rose to the occasion, and all those who have provided a service.”

Anyone wishing to submit their suggestions for this year’s Christmas programme should do so no later than the 25th of January 2015, by email to the Secretary of the Christmas in Gozo Committee: catherine.b.cauchi@gov.mt.

Photograph: MGOZ/George Scerri

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