The Gozo Tourism Association is calling for a major overhaul of transport links between Malta and Gozo, including a fully electric ferry, a new fast-ferry port at Marsalforn and smaller, more frequent buses, as part of its proposals for the 2027 Budget.
The association is also renewing calls for a fixed-wing air service between the islands, the expansion of Mġarr harbour and a second road into the port, arguing that reliable and efficient connectivity is essential to Gozo's tourism industry and wider economy.
One of its main proposals is for the government to commission a fully electric and wheelchair-accessible ferry to replace the ageing MV Nikolaos, while maintaining a four-vessel Gozo Channel fleet. The government has already begun the tendering process for the Nikolaos replacement, but has not indicated that the new vessel will be electric.
The GTA also wants Marsalforn developed as an alternative port for the Sliema-Buġibba-Mġarr fast-ferry service, allowing passengers to travel directly to the Gozitan coastal town without passing through Mġarr.
The service, introduced in May, carried more than 50,000 passengers on 605 trips during its first two months, according to the association. It wants the route retained and strengthened, particularly during winter and other quieter tourism periods.
At Mġarr, the GTA is proposing a dedicated fast-ferry terminal with sheltered waiting areas and improved passenger facilities, alongside studies into the possible enlargement of the harbour. It is also calling for a second road to Mġarr to reduce dependence on the existing access route, as well as improvements to the south quay at Ċirkewwa, including additional berthing and vehicle-marshalling space.
The association said traffic at Mġarr had already exceeded even the most ambitious growth projections made two decades ago.
The proposals largely repeat demands made by the GTA in previous Budget submissions. Connectivity was also a central theme of its 2026 proposals, with the association arguing that Gozo's transport network should be planned as a single, long-term system rather than through isolated projects.
The GTA is also seeking changes to public transport on Gozo. It wants smaller buses to complement larger electric vehicles, with more frequent services connecting villages with Victoria, Mġarr and major tourist attractions. Kerċem, Nadur, Għarb and Xagħra were specifically mentioned, with the association saying hourly services are inadequate for residents, students and tourists.
It is also proposing a single digital ticket covering ferries, public transport, museums, heritage sites and tourism experiences.
The GTA said it wants the government to proceed with the planned Gozo airfield and introduce fixed-wing flights between the islands. The Planning Authority approved the project in 2024, although works have yet to begin.
Beyond transport, the association is calling for a new 132kV submarine electricity cable between Malta and Gozo, arguing that the island's existing three 33kV cables will not provide sufficient capacity as its population and tourism sector grow.
It is also seeking the ring-fencing of tourism eco-tax revenue collected from Gozan accommodation for investment in Gozo, incentives for restoring traditional properties, grants for new tourism products and a marine reserve around the island.
Another longstanding demand is greater autonomy over planning, either through a dedicated Gozo planning authority or stronger regional powers within the existing Planning Authority.
The GTA said planning policies designed for Malta should not simply be applied to Gozo, which it wants to retain as an "island of villages" rather than develop into a smaller version of Malta.