The Ministry for Gozo has confirmed that the record figures announced by Gozo Channel for visitors to Gozo up to Boxing Day, continued over the long Christmas weekend.
The warm sunny weather attracted thousands of visitors to cross over from Malta to visit Gozo to enjoy the many events planned as part of the Christmas in Gozo programme.
The Ministry said that 10,500 passengers and 2,500 cars crossed over on Boxing Day, with the trend continuing on Sunday, when 10,700 passengers and 2,300 cars crossed over.
This means that compared to last year, there was an increase in passengers on Gozo Channel of 81% and the number of cars crossing between the two islands was up by 65%, the Ministry said. Gozo Channel had 3 ships in service to cope with the demand.
It added that the influx of Maltese tourists crossing over contributed to a "significant increase in business for the various Gozitan tourist establishments and businesses across the island."
"The Malta Tourism Association, confirmed that the accommodation sector, especially in Gozitan hotels, registered very good results for this period of the year, which is usually a relatively quiet time," the Ministry said.
Photograph: Alain Salvary