Fourth ferry improved connectivity between Malta and Gozo – GTA

The addition of a fourth ferry has made a big difference in the connectivity between Malta and Gozo, President of the Gozo Tourism Association (GTA) Joe Muscat said.

The GTA incorporates all sectors in the tourism industry including the hotels, restaurants, diving centres, self-catering establishments, estate agents, tourist attractions and other sectors related to or have direct interest in tourism.

Speaking with this newspaper, Muscat noted how apart from a number of accessibility issues, the ferry has helped to meet the connectivity demands in Cirkewwa and Mgarr.

On the topic of tourism numbers for the sister island, he noted that generally, the numbers were in line with last year, with the difference being mainly a shift in accommodation type being taken up.

Muscat explained that people are moving towards renting through Airbnb, apartments and farmhouses rather than checking into conventional hotels. Much on the same lines as is happening in Malta.

“We are predicting that this year will be on the same lines as last year, taking into consideration that there have been decreases as well in the last years.

“The market is more competitive now - there is also more accommodation being opened so one must fight more for that portion of the cake.”

It was also pointed out that there is also more competition coming from other destinations, particularly from countries such as Egypt, Turkey and Tunisia who are no longer being as shunned as they previously were due to improvements to their political stability and lower rates of terrorism than before.

The GTA President also maintained the importance of connectivity to Malta from other countries, saying that having a good number of seat capacity towards the island would also be good thing.

“One must understand that connectivity towards Malta is always increasing, and the more seat capacity then the more people you will be able to bring to the country.”