Passenger traffic between Malta and Gozo reached a record high during the Christmas and New Year period, with a total of 301,041 people crossing the channel using Gozo Channel ferries and the fast ferry service, the government said Tuesday.
Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri said the figures confirm that Gozo has become a natural choice for both Maltese residents and tourists seeking a short break during the festive season, in line with the objectives of the Gozo: An Island of Villages strategy.
Between Monday 22 December 2025 and Sunday 4 January 2026, a total of 258,710 passengers travelled to and from Gozo on Gozo Channel ferries. This represented an increase of 6.7% when compared to the same period last year.
In addition, Gozo Highspeed, which operates the fast ferry service between the Grand Harbour and Mġarr, confirmed that it carried 42,331 passengers during the same festive period. This marked an increase of 9,529 passengers, or 29.05%, over the corresponding period in 2024-2025.
Combined, the two services accounted for 301,041 passenger crossings during the 2025-2026 Christmas period, reflecting an overall increase of 9.3% compared to last year.
The ministry noted that when compared to the Christmas period of 2012-2013, under a Nationalist administration, the latest figures represent a record increase of 133%, more than double the number of passengers who crossed the channel at that time.
Camilleri welcomed the record results, saying they confirm the ongoing work being carried out by the ministry and other entities to position Gozo as an attractive destination throughout the year. He said the figures provide further motivation to continue implementing the government’s strategy to make Gozo a year-round island.
The minister also referred to a survey conducted by the Gozo Tourism Association, which found that 60% of tourism operators reported better performance than last year, while around 20% said business levels were similar to those of the previous year.
Camilleri said the government will continue to build on this momentum while safeguarding the qualities that distinguish Gozo from other destinations, including its tranquillity, sense of calm and range of activities. He concluded by thanking everyone who chose Gozo for the festive period, as well as those involved in organising more than 165 Christmas-related activities that contributed to another successful season for the island.
