Gozo arrivals see significant 56% increase but still not at 2019 levels

The number of passengers crossing over to Gozo saw a large increase in the second quarter of 2021 when compared to the same quarter of 2020, with 56.1 per cent more people visiting the sister island, to reach of total of 907,453.

Figures emerging from a National Statistics Office release show that June was the most popular month for visits to Gozo, accounting for 42.2 per cent of the total for the quarter.

When compared to Q2 of 2020, the number of vehicles increased by 45 per cent, totalling 409,569.

The number of trips amounted to 7,255, an increase of 36 per cent over the same period in 2020.

Although the number of trips is higher than the 6,289 made in Q2 2019, during non-pandemic times, both the number of passengers and vehicles remain below those reported that year, which stood at 1,575,472 and 454,818 respectively.

Travel between the islands in the second quarter of 2021 was affected by a ban on non-essential travel announced on 10th March amid rising COVID-19 cases, which as only lifted on May 10th.

During this period, travel to Gozo was only allowed for residents, essential business, or to visit one’s property.

During the first six months of the year, both passenger and vehicle traffic originating from Ċirkewwa was busiest on Fridays and Saturdays.

On the other hand, from the Mġarr terminal, passenger and vehicle traffic was highest on Sundays followed by Mondays.

The NSO release only includes data provided by the Gozo Channel Co. Ltd.

Data on the fast ferry service which commenced on 1st June 2021 is not included.

The NSO said it is currently in discussions with Transport Malta to be provided with the data on the fast ferry service which will be published retrospectively once it will be made available.