A bus shuttle service between Malta International Airport and Cirkewwa should be one of the government's foremost and most urgent priorities, according to Alternattiva Demokrattika chairman Harry Vassallo.

Dr Vassallo said the service would, ideally, extend to the terminal in Mgarr with the provision of transport to Victoria.

"Add on a luggage check-in and handling service, and Gozo will be able to attract some of the independent travellers using the new low-cost flights. What is holding the government back from at least promoting such a service for the much-needed tourists?" he said.

AD Gozo Regional Committee spokesman, Victor Galea, said it was ironic that the helicopter service came to an end on the same day that Ryanair began its flights to and from Malta.

"The government has showered direct or indirect subsidies to the tune of Lm1 million to make viable the operation of these flights from Malta International Airport. How is it possible that the government completely ignored such possibilities for the Malta-Gozo helicopter airlink?

"Like the Gozo Business Chamber, AD hopes that incentives given to low-cost airlines are extended to companies wishing to operate a helicopter service to and from Gozo. Any new service must include an onward check-in facility. The lack of this seriously disadvantaged Helisureste," he said.

AD also believes that a catamaran connection between Grand Harbour and Mgarr could be used by commuters and cruise liner passengers who want to experience Gozo.

Dr Vassallo said that if the government really believed that Gozo should be marketed as a distinct tourist destination, a direct catamaran service from Gozo to Sicily should be explored.

"Innovative thinking and action are required immediately," Dr Vassallo said. "Gozitans are sick and tired of words. They demand action."