Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1523564
9 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 5 JULY 2024 BUSINESS to continue investing over the next six months, especially in wholesale and retail trade, con- struction, arts and entertain- ment, and accommodation and food services. Only 45% of businesses ac- knowledged the potential im- pact of climate change on their operations, with half taking measures to enhance resil- ience. This contrasts with high- er awareness levels observed in other EU firms. employee shortages businesses BETWEEN January and March 2024, a total of 9,602 trips were carried out, carrying a total of 1,450,495 passengers. March was the busiest month recording a to- tal of 3,315 trips or 34.5 per cent of total trips for the quarter. Sea transport between Mġarr and Ċirkewwa A total of 1,294,314 passengers travelled be- tween Mġarr and Ċirkewwa during the first quarter of 2024, an increase of 9.6 per cent when compared to the corresponding quarter of 2023. The highest number of passengers was re- corded in March – 491,298 or 38.0 per cent of the total for the quarter. When compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year, the number of vehicles increased by 5.8 per cent, totalling 465,108. The number of trips during the first quarter amounted to 7,867, a decrease of 0.3 per cent over the same period in 2023. March registered the highest number of trips – 2,722 or 34.6 per cent of total trips for the quarter. During January-March 2024, passenger traf- fic originating from Ċirkewwa was busiest on Fridays and Saturdays, and vehicle traffic orig- inating from Ċirkewwa was busiest on Fridays and Thursdays. On the other hand, from the Mġarr terminal, passenger traffic was busiest on Sundays and Saturdays, while vehicle traffic was highest on Sundays and Mondays. Sea transport between Mġarr and Valletta During the first quarter of 2024, a total of 1,735 trips were carried out carrying a total of 156,181 passengers. When compared to same quarter in 2023, the number of trips increased by 103.2 per cent and the number passengers increased by 115.1 per cent. March registered the highest number of trips – 593 or 34.2 per cent of total trips for the quarter and the highest number of passengers – 62,076 or 39.7 per cent for the quarter. Sea transport between Malta and Gozo registered increases in passengers, vehicles and trips in Q1 2024 Passengers and vehicles to and from Mġarr and Ċirkewwa (January - March) More than half of businesses said they plan to expand their workforce within the next six months, particularly in the tourism, manufacturing, and professional services sectors