Over half a million people crossed the Gozo Channel during December, the Gozo Ministry said.

The figures for December up to 5 January show that 520,439 people and 165,580 vehicles crossed between Malta and Gozo.

This marks an increase of 18,532 people and 9,337 vehicles when compared to the same period last year.

Boxing Day was the busiest day in December, with 25,193 passengers and 6,390 vehicles making the crossing over 100 Gozo Channel ferry trips.

On Thursday 2 January, the ferry company carried 25,408 passengers and 6,225 in 96 trips.

Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana hailed the figures, saying that these increased numbers were positively affecting the Gozitan tourism sector. This was, in part, thanks to the ‘Milied f’Għawdex’ programme.

Restaurant and establishment owners were very satisfied with the influx of people visiting Gozo during this period, Caruana said.

Gozo Tourism Association CEO Joe Muscat said accommodation establishments reported good occupancy rates.