The Ministry for Gozo has said that the festive period in Gozo has been even busier than in previous years.

In a statement, the Ministry said figures issued by Gozo Channel show that in December and up until the 5th of January, 520,439 passengers and 165,680 cars crossed over to Gozo, compared to 501,907 passengers and 156,343 vehicles for the same period last year.

This means there was an increase of 18,532 passengers and 9,337 cars that crossed the channel over the festive period, the Ministry said.

The busiest days were Thursday, 26th of December, when 25,193 passengers and 6,390 cars crossed over on 100 trips operated by Gozo Channel, and also on Thursday, 2nd of January, when the company operated 96 trips with 25,408 passengers and 6,225 cars.

Minister for Gozo Justyne Caruana said that these figures “clearly show that the work of the Ministry is delivering results in many sectors directly or indirectly related to tourism in Gozo.”

She added that “through the Christmas in Gozo programme we can attract more tourism to the island, especially domestic in this period of the year, all helping to achieve our goal that Gozo is the destination for Christmas in the Mediterranean.”

“Owners of establishments and restaurants have been very satisfied with the influx through this period, and have applauded the structured programme planned by the Ministry for Gozo,” Dr Caruana said.

The Gozo Tourism Association CEO Joe Muscat said that Gozitan tourist establishments offering accommodation have reported good occupancy, both in hotels, as well as farmhouses and apartments.

He added that, “a good number of Maltese who have their second home in Gozo also chose to spend this period on the island. Even establishments offering food and drink such as restaurants and places of entertainment reported good trade over these days.”

Photograph: MGOZ/Terry Camilleri

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