The number of passengers travelling between Malta and Gozo using the ferry connecting the islands was up by 2.3% — to 1,146,490 — in the first quarter of the year, as compared to the same quarter a year earlier, according to figures published by the National Statistics Office (NSO).
With its 41.7% slice of the total quarter pie, March saw the highest number of passengers: 477,945.
The number of vehicles increased at a faster rate of 7.1% during the first quarter, as compared to the preceding year, totalling 363,460.
The number of trips was up by 3.6% to 5,449, the majority taking place in March: 2,034 — 37.3% of total trips for the quarter.
Unsurprisingly, the busiest days from Malta to Gozo were Fridays and Saturdays, while Sundays were the busiest from Gozo to Malta. Gozo’s lowest population numbers and more culturally intact nature make the island a popular holiday destination for Maltese residents.
The full report including charts and visual representation of data is available for download at the website of NSO.