BUSINESSES in Gozo are feeling the
pinch as purchasing power has decreased
by an estimated 20-30% during the tradi-
tionally busy period of Santa Marija, ac-
cording to Daniel Borg, President of the
Gozo Business Chamber.
"Bookings were made, tables were tak-
en, but purchasing power has dropped,"
Borg told GozoToday.
According to the Gozo ministry, ap-
proximately 135,660 passengers and
nearly 47,000 vehicles were transported
by Gozo ferries, with the Gozo Highspeed
fast ferry service carrying an addition-
al 29,000 passengers. The high demand
even led to unscheduled crossings.
Despite strong numbers for both cus-
tomers and bookings in accommodation,
restaurants, and rentals, Borg noted that
this year's season brought on new trends
in consumer behavior.
He highlighted that while many restau-
rants performed well, there was a notice-
able shift in preference towards more af-
fordable menu options.
PAGE 5
SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL
FRIDAY 23 AUGUST 2024 • ISSUE 008 • PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY
gozotoday
MARIELLA
CALLEJA
mcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt
€1.00
Gozo businesses report big
drop in purchasing power in
Santa Marija holiday week
Gozo sports
complex
to open by
end of year
THE new sports complex in Victoria,
Gozo, is expected to open by the end of
the year, as work enters a critical stage
with with finishing touches being carried
out in a number of facilities within the
complex, including the Olympic-size pool,
GozoToday has learned.
PAGE 4
Work on sports facilities is at a critical stage
PAUL
COCKS
pcocks@mediatoday.com.mt
Gozo's businesses see strong numbers during Santa Marija but report a 20-
30% drop in purchasing power, as well as a notable shift towards last-minute
bookings and price-conscious spending
