Hoteliers lament end of helicopter service

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association said it is very disappointed by the fact that the helicopter service between Malta and Gozo is being stopped once again.

"Less than two years ago the MHRA had expressed its doubts as to whether the agreement entered into by the government with Helicopteros Del Sureste was sustainable considering the fares envisaged for the service at the time. Twenty months into the contract, the service is being stopped to the further detriment of Gozo's tourism industry.

"The halt of this service is putting Gozo hoteliers in disarray considering the forward contracts and forward bookings taken for the coming winter with the promise of a helicopter service between the two islands.

"Such a state of affairs can only reinforce MHRA's call for a holistic tourism plan which has to address, besides other important issues, this vital link between the two islands so important for Gozo's tourism industry," the MHRA said.