Thumbs up for airport-Cirkewwa shuttle

The Gozo Tourism Association (GTA), Alternattiva Demokratika and the Malta Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise's Leisure and Tourism Economic Group (LTEG) have all welcomed the introduction of the new Airport-Cirkewwa shuttle service.

The GTA said the move would enhance accessibility to and from Gozo for both tourists and locals alike.

Gozo, it said, would also become a more competitive destination. Apart from the fare factor, the fact that the bus journey was non-stop would entice not only the individual foreign traveller but also Gozitans using the airport.

The association expressed hope that the service would be run professionally.

AD's chairman Harry Vassallo welcomed what he said was the government's decision to partially implement AD's policy of introducing this innovative scheme.

"With the addition of a luggage check-in and handling service, Gozo would be able to attract more independent travellers availing themselves of new low- cost flights," he said.

"The fact that the government has confined the provision of this service only until September illustrates how blinkered it is in terms of the enormous potential of 'winter' tourism in Gozo.

"Our winter equates to fine spring weather from the perspective of many of our visitors.

"AD reiterates the urgent need for a permanent provision of a shuttle bus service to and from the airport to Cirkewwa, preferably to the terminal in Mgarr, finishing in Victoria," Dr Vassallo said.

AD also believes that direct links to Gozo from Sicily and other Mediterranean islands, both by seaplane and by catamaran, should be established.

And rather than concentrating all commuting services in Mgarr harbour, the development of a harbour to facilitate passenger seaplanes in Marsalforn was warranted, he added.

LTEG chairman, Vincent Tabone said the long-awaited essential service would hopefully boost tourism to Gozo.

The service was also very useful to the many Gozitans who travel abroad and do not have their own transport.