17 - 23 August 2000

Brisk economic activity in Gozo during Santa Marija

by Franco Aloisio

Several tourism and catering operators in Gozo recorded good business over the past days especially during the Santa Marija feast and the preceding weekend.

The president of the Gozo Tourism Association Sammy Rapa told The Malta Business Weekly that practically all hotels and apartments were full up during the holiday period.

The Gozo Chamber of Commerce too confirmed that business in Malta's sister island was very good in this last week. The chamber's vice president Michael Cassar said all establishments in Gozo - ranging from restaurants, supermarkets, bars, car hire companies and hotels - recorded high sales.

"Overall, this year's Santa Marija was very good for Gozo. In the past, there were years when business was not that good. However, this year made up for previous years," Dr Cassar said.

"From the small hamburger and hot-dog outlet to the major hotels, everyone was kept busy during these last days.

"I believe an important factor which has contributed to the increase in business in Gozo has been the increase in flats, farmhouses and hotel rooms available for Maltese and tourists. The supply is finally sustaining the strong demand," Dr Cassar added.

An indicator of positive economic activity generated during this year's Santa Marija celebrations was the record number of passengers who have made use of the Gozo Channel Services. Sources close to the company said over 81,000 passengers and 17,500 vehicles crossed over to Gozo in the week prior to the feast of Santa Marija. This means a increase of 10 per cent in passengers crossing over to Gozo, and a 13 per cent increase in vehicles when compared to 1999.

Dr Cassar said the bomb scare at the Arkadia complex in Gozo last Monday morning disrupted most of the economic activity which was taking place at the shopping centre. Arkadia, together with the Tigrija Palazz, are Gozo's foremost shopping centres.

"The fact that the bomb scare occurred on the eve of Santa Marija was not a coincidence. Last year, on the eve of Santa Marija, a bomb exploded on the doorstep of the Gozo Cathedral. I believe that that was not a mere coincidence too," Dr Cassar said.

Meanwhile, Gozo's fame as a venue for major parties continued this year, with a large disco being organised on the eve of Santa Marija at the La Grotta discotheque. However, the popularity of Gozo as a venue for parties has been dwindling in this last year, mainly as a result of the new disco regulations which have limited the opening hours of these establishments.