Speaking to TVM News, Gozo Channel Chairman Joe Cordina revealed that 46,000 passengers crossed the Malta to Gozo channel between Thursday and Monday for Santa Marija celebrations.
This is an increase of approximately 11,000 passengers from last year, which is a satisfactory number for the industry.
However, the numbers have yet to reach the record number of 2019, which saw 50,000 people going to Gozo to celebrate the beloved Maltese feast. The day when Santa Marija is celebrated has a big effect on whether people cross the channel, stated Cordina.
Chief Executive Officer of the Gozo Tourism Association Joe Muscat revealed that fewer Maltese visited Gozo over the Santa Marija weekend, but an increase in foreign tourists was recording this time around.
Tourist accommodation in Gozo has been positive, he said, as the island is currently in the peak summer holiday season. Due to the pandemic, Gozo broke all records in people visiting as they could not go abroad.
However, as the restrictions eased, people opted to travel abroad. But this also meant that foreign tourists took to the island in larger numbers, in a reversal of the previous pandemic years.
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