Fourth ferry ‘here to stay’ as 221,000 passengers cross channel during Santa Marija week

Gozo Channel said that 221,088 persons and 61,328 vehicles crossed the channel between Malta and Gozo during the Santa Marija week, a government statement read.

The company carried out 904 trips between the two islands, and these were operated without a schedule so as to meet the demand during this popular week.

Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana said that Gozo remains a popular destination not only during this particular week.

“Statistics show that the number of passengers increased by 5% and that of cars by 15% during this year when compared to the same period last year.”

The ministry organised a series of activities to coincide with the Santa Marija week, including an agricultural and trade exhibition, the statement added.

“A pet friendly holiday scheme was one of the incentives offered, while people using electric cars did not pay the fee for using Gozo Channel services.”

The introduction of the fourth vessel had increased the efficiency of the service. Caruana said that the “fourth vessel is here to stay” and until a new call for tenders is issued, the MV Nikolaus “will continue to operate”.

Gozo Tourism Association CEO Joe Muscat said that the Santa Marija week was a positive experience for the tourist sector.

He explained that the feast fell on a Thursday this year, so the period for many Maltese was extended till the end of the week as well which resulted in more people sleeping overnight in Gozo. He praised the introduction of the fourth ferry, given the reduction in waiting time.