Be the first to comment!Three cruise ships visiting Gozo over this weekend
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The Minister for Gozo Dr Anton Refalo visited Mgarr port on Saturday morning, where he greeted some of the cruise passengers from the Seabourn Sojourn, which had moored just outside the port on a visit to Gozo.
He said that this weekend three cruise ships will arrive in Gozo, including the Seabourn Sojourn today, on Sunday; Silver Spirit and Wind Surf will also bring passengers to the island.
The Minister, described the year 2016 "as one that looks very good for the cruise industry in Gozo."
He said that these cruise arrivals mean more work for locals and for Gozitan businesses, which is already in evidence by the increase in employment in several sectors of the island including hotels and restaurants. "This economic boost is benefiting everyone," Dr Refalo said.
"In 2015 at least 18 cruise liners visited Gozo, with more than 9,800 passengers. Many of these passengers will return to Gozo for a holiday having now seen what the island has to offer."
The Minister said that our islands have the advantage of being located in a strategic position in the middle of the Mediterranean, thus allowing various itinerary options, both on the east side as well as the western Mediterranean.
Dr Refalo said that he believes that the cruise industry in the Maltese Islands can continue to grow only if the Government continues to provide a level of superior service and create value through collaboration with all local partners.
"The initiatives and work are ongoing to see how we can further improve service and the tourism product, above and beyond expectations. Along with all partners in the cruise industry, the aim is to increase efforts and our investment to achieve our goals to ensure that more cruise ships visit the island," said Minister Refalo.
He thanked all those involved in this sector, including Mifsud Brothers Limited, which has from 2006 already brought 52 ships to Gozo.
"The Ministry for Gozo remains committed to improve accessibility and enhance the tourism product so that more people choose Gozo as an attractive destination, even in the typically quiet months between November and April," the Minister concluded.
Photographs: MGOZ/George Scerri
