For what is meant to be the busiest Gozo weekend of the year, Ċirkewwa appeared eerily quiet late yesterday morning.

Those heading to the sister island for the Santa Marija holiday were in for a pleasant surprise when they turned up at the ferry, with the usual interminable queues of cars waiting to board nowhere to be seen.

Yet, the empty terminal was of no concern to those at the forefront of Gozo tourism, who put the lull down to the timing of the exodus – mainly Friday – and Gozo Channel efficiency.

Gozo Tourism Association chief executive officer Joe Muscat said the association was not aware of any notable changes in travel patterns this year.

“From initial feedback received, hoteliers and shop owners are quite positive that this year will be just like any other and an influx of people to Gozo during the shut-down period is expected,” Mr Muscat said.

Hotels, he added, had reported being fully booked for the long weekend.

He said the lack of queues yesterday was most likely due to better planning and an efficient service by the ferry company, which had been operating three boats on a shuttle service.

Gozo Channel chairman Joe Cordina confirmed there had not been any noticeable decline in the number of passengers crossing the channel. In fact, he said, he was confident that the number of passengers making use of the service would be very close to that recorded last year.

Last year over the same weekend, 60,000 passengers made the trip between the two islands.

Asked why the port was so quiet yesterday, Mr Cordina said that because the public holiday fell on a Monday, many had opted to head to Gozo well ahead. In fact, he pointed out, long queues were reported throughout the day on Friday.

Last year, hotels and farmhouses had to turn away holidaymakers as they were fully booked throughout the Santa Marija weekend, with Gozo Channel making some 400 trips a day, the busiest being August 14, the day before Santa Marija.

Bored by the pool? Activities in Gozo today

• Head for Victoria for 11am, when the band march Tal-Bandiera will leave Cathedral Square for Leone Band Club. Children will be carrying a large flag to be raised at the club at noon.

• At 9.15pm there will be synchronised fireworks let off from the roof of the Aurora opera house in Victoria.

• At 9.30pm there will be a festive march along Republic Street, with bands entertaining revellers.

• If this is more your cup of tea, Gozo Bishop Mario Grech will lead a night vigil at Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary between 8pm and 10.15pm.