There was an increase of 2,337 passengers and 843 vehicles between Malta and Gozo during the first 24 days since the Immorru Ghawdex scheme was introduced.

The increase is most likely to have been caused by the discounts offered through the scheme and amounted to an average of around 100 extra passengers and around 35 more cars daily.

Gozo Channel had to perform around eight extra trips throughout the 24 days after 4.30pm to satisfy the demand while another two extra trips were made on 7 December, the eve of a public holiday, and on 10 December. There was an increase of 200 passengers and 83 cars on New Year’s Eve.

The discount schemes allow standard passengers to travel at reduced rates, with the reduced tickets refunded in full from restaurants and hotels participating in the scheme. The Immorru Ghawdex scheme will end on 31 May 2007.