The Gozo Tourism Association today noted with satisfaction the positive touristic trends during the festive season. This was due to a large extend to the influx of the domestic market during these days. The numbers of Maltese who crossed over to Gozo during the last week was yet another proof that Destination Gozo has established itself as the Christmas Island, GTA said in a statement.

The association however failed to mention the traffic mayhem that ensued at both ends, with long hours of waiting in queues as families tried to make their way across the channel at the start and end of their holiday. The Malta Independent last Saturday reported that the shuttle service adopted by Gozo Channel was not meeting the demand, and many had to queue up for hours before making their way to Gozo.

In its statement, the GTA said that the Christmas Theme Park “Bethelem f’Ghajnsielem”, in the picturesque village of Ghajnsielem, was once again the greatest crowd puller attraction. The estimated 100,000 visitors to Bethelem f’Ghajnsilem contributed to an upsurge in the business generated in the various Gozitan touristic establishments. The accommodation sector reported good business especially during the New Years Eve weekend, while the Gozitan restaurants reported a constant and steady busy flow of clientele during the whole week between Christmas Eve and up to yesterday.

However the contribution towards this very busy week was also due to alot of other attractions that Gozo is now offering spread almost on the whole month of December. These attractions amalgamated under the festive programme piloted by the Ministry for Gozo under the theme “Christmas in Gozo “, gave added value to all the visitors to the island, during these days.  This is yet another example of a synergised effort by all stakeholders with a common agenda towards the social and economic well being of Gozo, the GTA said.