Published on : Monday, February 3, 2014
“Travel to Gozo Weekend-Valentine Special” has announced that fares will be reduced to fifty per cent between the 14th and 16th of February. €4.65 to €1.50, whilst fares for non-commercial vehicles will decrease from €15.70 to €8.50, the tariff fare will apply to all journeys made between Friday 14 February from 19.15 to the first trip Monday at 01.30. The Minister for Gozo Anton refalo made this announcement. The initiative is being taken in corroboration with the Bank of Valletta and with the support of Gozo Channel, Gozo Tourism Association and the Gozo Business Chamber. The Minister felt that this initiative will attract greater amount of tourists to Gozo and strengthen its opportunities.
Joe Cordina, Gozo Channel’s chairperson announced that the company will operate according to expected demand and if necessary run shuttle service as well. Mr. Joe Cordina mentioned how successful the company has been, in being able to reduce the losses by € 600,000 without affecting the service. During 2013, Gozo Channel vessels carried 118,500 passengers and 43,500 vehicles more than the previous year.
Gozo Tourism Association Chief Executive Officer Mr. Joe Muscat and Managing Director of the Gozo Business Chamber Mr. Michael Grech said that once again the tourism sector and businesses in Gozo have backed the government in such schemes, since such measures alleviate the impact of seasonality effects during winter months. During this weekend, 38 tourist establishments will participate through this scheme by offering various special offers . Amongst participants of accommodation services, there are hotels and farmhouses in Gozo, many restaurants scattered all over the island mall, shops, tourist attractions and even establishments offering authentic typical experiences and products.
In his address the Bank of Valletta Chairperson John Cassar White stated that, “as the leading financial services provider and an active corporate citizen, Bank of Valletta has always held Gozo in high regard. We are eager to assist wherever possible to generate economic growth on this island. This is why we are pleased to be associated with this initiative, which aims at attracting business to Gozo during the low season.” Speaking about the Bank’s involvement in Gozo, he said, “Over the past years, the Bank has undertaken various initiatives to help promote sustainable development in Gozo, not only from an economic perspective but also in terms of supporting social and cultural initiatives.”
In his closing remarks, Dr Refalo mentioned how the government is geared towards attracting tourists specifically to the island of Gozo also by incentivizing local internal tourism. In this regard the government is determined to give back the internal tourism sector the importance it deserves.
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