A cruise liner berthed for the first time ever in Gozo yesterday morning in a drive to promote the island as a tourist destination in its own right.

Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech welcomed the Seabourn Pride’s maiden call in Gozo, saying the visit links perfectly with his ministry’s policy of widening and diversifying the tourism product.

During a visit on board the ship, berthed off Xlendi, Dr Zammit Dimech said that Gozo is being promoted as a major tourism segment, and a niche location for cruise liners.

The minister said that in this year’s budget speech, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi promised that this year the government would hold discussions with the operators to explore how cruise liners could be brought to Gozo.

Through its Malta Cruise Services, Mifsud Brothers Ltd managed to bring over to Gozo three cruise liners: the Seabourn Pride; the Seabourn Legend, due in July; and the Sea Dream II, due in October. This followed discussions between the Mifsud Brothers and the Tourism Ministry - as well as the Gozo Ministry.

Dr Zammit Dimech thanked Malta Cruise Services managing director Ivan Mifsud for his commitment to the project. Following a two-week intensive sales trip to the US, Gozo was added on the cruise itineraries of the Seabourn liners.