More people, cars cross over to Gozo

Between Thursday and Carnival Sunday, Gozo Channel ferried 54,507 passengers, an increase of more than 3,000 people compared to last year.

A total of 16,631 vehicles crossed in 296 trips, an increase over last year's 15,500 vehicles in 256 trips.

The last weekend also saw a considerable crowd crossing over to Gozo for the Gozo Cup tournament.

Commenting on these figures, the Gozo Tourism Association said it was satisfied since accommodation establishments were fully booked.

The association praised Gozo Channel's efforts in coping with the heavy traffic between the two islands.

The association also com-mented favourably on the increased number of tourists visiting Gozo in winter as activities by councils and other festivities, including Notte Gozitana, were drawing the crowds.

Meanwhile, the association insisted that the development of an airstrip in Gozo would contribute to the growth of tourism and economic prosperity. Besides other benefits, a direct link will boost foreign investment in Gozo, the association said.