The Gozo Tourism Association is proposing that Gozo Channel should introduce low, mid and high season fares, in an attempt to boost visitors throughout the year.
“We would like to see radical changes in the ferry fares and structure. Furthermore, with a very improved public transport system on Gozo, we are also proposing a joint ticket that would be valid for travel both by land public transport as well as by ferry.
“Such changes will definitely entice more commuters to cross over to Gozo, especially during the winter period,” Joe Muscat, the CEO of the association, said.
In 2008, Gozo tried to overcome seasonality by offering free ferry trips. The scheme ran for two winter seasons, but stopped. The GTA would like to see this reintroduced.
“The scheme offered half-price ferry tickets for Maltese crossing over to Gozo. The amount was deducted from the accommodation and restaurant bill of the participating establishments on presentation of the ferry tickets.
“While this scheme was viable for the accommodation providers, it did not turn out to be popular with the Gozitan restaurants. Incentives like this and the reduced ferry fares introduced these last two years will attract more domestic travellers, a very important part of our market,” he said.
The tourism product in Gozo is still evolving. Tourist accommodation – especially farmhouses – is now found in every corner of the island, as are restaurants.
Gozo Channel is performing 56 trips in 24 hours. Connectivity should not deter potential diners from crossing over to Gozo
The Malta Tourism Authority reported that there were 95 licensed restaurants in Gozo in 2010, which increased to 101 by 2014.
“Although Marsalforn, Xlendi and Mġarr have most restaurants, there are now outlets in almost all the Gozitan villages.
The GTA had persuaded Gozo Channel to tweak the summer schedule and the 11pm ferry was postponed to 11.15pm to allow dining commuters more time.
“Gozo Channel is performing 56 trips in 24 hours. Connectivity should not deter potential diners from crossing over to Gozo,” he said.
Marvin Cremona, the owner of Brookies Restaurant in Victoria, is not convinced.
“In summer, the evening ferry schedule is good, but in winter the evening schedule is not in our favour,” he lamented.
Philip Fenech, deputy president of the GRTU, also believes that the half-price ferry scheme should be reinstated to help business during the shoulder months.
“It was a great success with various restaurants. We should encourage this scheme to be repeated on a regular basis, since the expense to do it is well covered by the value added and the VAT collected,” he said.