Gozo recorded its busiest festive season on record, with more than 301,000 passengers travelling between Malta and the island over the Christmas and New Year period, confirming Gozo’s growing appeal as a winter destination.

More than 301,000 passengers travelled between Malta and Gozo during the 2025–2026 Christmas period, according to
figures released by the Ministry for Gozo and Planning. The data confirms a sustained increase in cross-channel travel, with
overall passenger movements rising by 9.3% compared with the same festive period in 2024–2025. Between 22 December
2025 and 4 January 2026, 258,710 passengers used the Gozo Channel ferry service, representing a year-on-year increase of
6.7%. During the same period, the Fast Ferry service, operated by Gozo Highspeed between the Grand Harbour and Mġarr,
carried 42,331 passengers. This marked an increase of 9,529 passengers, or 29.05%, when compared with the
corresponding period in 2024–2025.

Combined, the two services transported 301,041 passengers over the Christmas period, the highest number ever recorded
for this time of year. The increase is particularly notable when compared with the 2012–2013 festive season, when passenger
movements were less than half the current levels. Over the thirteen-year period, total crossings have more than doubled,
registering an increase of 133%.

The Minister for Gozo and Planning, Clint Camilleri, said the results reflect Gozo’s growing appeal as a year-round destination
for both Maltese residents and visitors. He linked this trend to the government’s “Gozo: An Island of Villages” strategy, which
aims to promote the island’s distinct character, community life and quality of living.

The minister also referred to findings from a recent survey by the Gozo Tourism Association, which showed that 60% of
tourism operators reported improved business performance during the festive period compared with the previous year. A
further 20% said activity levels were broadly in line with those recorded in 2024–2025.

Camilleri said the government intends to build on this momentum while safeguarding the qualities that distinguish Gozo from
other destinations, including its tranquillity, natural landscape, and range of cultural and leisure activities. He added that the
island hosted more than 165 Christmas-related events during the festive season, contributing to its continued popularity.