Gozo Valentine weekend special: ferry fares halved

The government has launched the 'Travel to Gozo Weekend-Valentine Special'.

This initiative is being undertaken in collaboration with the Bank of Valletta and with the support of Gozo Channel, the Gozo Tourism Association and the Gozo Business Chamber. Gozo Channel fares will be lowered by almost 50% between the 14th and 16th of February.

Specifically, passenger fares are lowered from €4.65 to €1.50, whilst fares for non-commercial vehicles will decrease from €15.70 to €8.50. These tariff prices will apply to all journeys between Friday 14 February from 19.15hr to the first trip Monday at 01.30hr.

Joe Cordina, Gozo Channel's chairperson announced that the company will operate according to expected demand and if necessary run shuttle service as well.

Cordina said the company had been successful in being able to reduce the losses by € 600,000 without affecting the service. During 2013, Gozo Channel vessels carried 118,500 passengers and 43,500 vehicles more than the previous year.

Gozo Minister Anton Refalo said the government was geared towards attracting tourists specifically to the island of Gozo also by incentivizing local internal tourism.

"In this regard the government is determined to give back the internal tourism sector the importance it deserves," he said.

Gozo Tourism Association CEO Joe Muscat and Managing Director of the Gozo Business Chamber Michael Grech said that once again the tourism sector and businesses in Gozo have backed the government in such schemes, since such measures alleviate the impact of seasonality effects during winter months.

During this weekend, 38 tourist establishments will participate through this scheme by offering various special offers that could be found on www.visitgozo.com.

Amongst participants of accommodation services, there are hotels and farmhouses in Gozo, many restaurants scattered all over the island mall, shops, tourist attractions and even establishments offering authentic typical experiences and products.

In his address the Bank of Valletta Chairperson John Cassar White stated that, as the leading financial services provider and an active corporate citizen, Bank of Valletta has always held Gozo in high regard.

"We are eager to assist wherever possible to generate economic growth on this island. This is why we are pleased to be associated with this initiative, which aims at attracting business to Gozo during the low season," he said.

Speaking about the Bank's involvement in Gozo, he said: "Over the past years, the Bank has undertaken various initiatives to help promote sustainable development in Gozo, not only from an economic perspective but also in terms of supporting social and cultural initiatives."