221,088 passengers and 61,328 vehicles crossed over on Gozo Channel ferries during the week of St. Mary, according to figures released by the company today.

In a statement, the Ministry for Gozo said that Gozo Channel operated no less than 904 trips between the islands, with most trips carried out on a shuttle service to meet the demand.

Minister for Gozo Dr Justyne Caruana confirmed that a fourth ferry “is here to stay” and until a tender has been awarded, the MV Nikolaus will continue to operate the service.

The Minister added that, “despite the influx of people who crossed to the island Gozo Channel operations were steady and the introduction of the fourth ship enabled more people to cross than last year with greater efficiency and negligible delay, meaning that we have not seen the queues we have been accustomed to.”

She explained that this year Gozo has seen a 5% increase in passengers and a 15% increase in vehicles crossing the channel compared to last year.

“Gozo is becoming a tourist destination throughout the year not least within the festivities associated with Santa Marija,” said the Minister.

Dr Caruana mentioned the activities organised by the Ministry and other entities to encourage visitors to the island, such as the Agricultural exhibition held last week during the Santa Marija feast, held under the distinguished patronage of the President of Malta and Minister for Gozo and which had attracted thousands.

The Minister also spoke about another two initiatives launched for the holiday week – the Pet Friendly Holiday and the free ferry ticket scheme for electric vehicle cars.

Joe Muscat, CEO of the Gozo Tourism Association, said that the Gozitan tourism sector during the mid-August period was again very positive, with a strong demand for the various tourist services including accommodation and restaurants.

“This year the Feast of the Assumption was on a Thursday and many Maltese extended there break until the end of the weekend. Moreover, by improving connectivity with the introduction of the fourth ship, all these visitors that arrived in Gozo were able to return with less waiting and loss of time,” said Mr Muscat.

Permalink: Increase in passengers and vehicles for Santa Marija, 4th ferry to stay