Increase in foot passengers in Gozo, an additional 50 daily trips that together with the Gozo Channel schedule covers over 120 trips per 24-hour period and a reduction in traffic, are just some of the benefits of the new Fast Ferry service bestowed upon locals and tourists alike, explained Gozo Tourism Association CEO Joe Muscat, ahead of the popular Santa Marija weekend.

“Gozo has never been so accessible and in combination with our proposal for an air link between Malta and Gozo that would potentially create jobs in the aviation sector. So there’s truly no need for the tunnel,” said Muscat.

“What’s more, with the tunnel link, we are concerned Gozo will lose its charm and its unique identity, which sets it apart from Malta. I have always said we do not need to copy Malta and we must keep our appeal intact. Quite simply, if we lose our Gozitan identity and authenticity, we will lose the present tourism composite altogether and that’s a risk we cannot afford to take.”