GozoNews.Com

Starting tomorrow, elderly people holding the ‘Karta Anzjan’ can travel free of charge on Gozo Ferries throughout the year. This has been made possible due to the relaunching of the scheme ‘Imorru Ghawdex’, and is based on Gozo Channel’s success and projected record profits for this year.

IT and Investments Minister Austin Gatt announced that Gozo Channel’s financial situation has significantly improved, since the company is making profits generated from higher travelling fees, an increase in passengers and controlling overheads. Due to these initiatives, Gozo Channel will be investing Lm230,000, which amounts to 33 per cent of its operational profits, towards Gozo’s economy. Profits totalled Lm750,000 this year, as opposed to Lm282,000 generated last year and following major losses up until 2004.

The Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, said that the Government is fully committed to the island of Gozo and that such measures will boost Gozo’s economy.

Joe Muscat, of the Gozo Tourism Association, confirmed the success of such schemes referring to an increase of some 6,000 persons booking accommodation at a hotel or guesthouse in Gozo.

Joe Borg, Chairman of Gozo Channel, said that hard work and self discipline is bearing fruit, resulting in more efficiency. There has been an increase of 3 percent in trips, an increase of 8 percent in the number of passengers and an increase of 10 percent in the amount of vehicles travelling on the Ferries. Mr Borg added that these increases are the result of a more efficient Company, and of the schemes implemented by the government.