Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1537589
SEA transport between Malta and Gozo saw significant year-on-year growth in the second quarter of 2025, according to new data released by the National Statistics Office (NSO). The figures reflect a sharp rise in passenger numbers, vehicle crossings, and ferry trips between the islands, with increased demand observed across both regular ferry and fast fer- ry services. A total of 1,927,590 passengers trav- elled between Malta and Gozo from April to June, an increase of 137,382 over the same period in 2024. Vehi- cle transport also rose to 548,423, up 3.9%, while total ferry trips reached 11,642, registering a 2.8% increase. SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL FRIDAY 18 JULY 2025 • ISSUE 054 • PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY gozotoday €1.00 Variable interest rate of 2.80% * Low contribution Low collateral requirements *Business Lending Bank Base Rate presently at 2.15%, Interest Margin and EIF Guarantee Fee. The BOV SME Grow and the BOV SME Grow Green are funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund with the financial backing of the Republic of Malta under the InvestEU Member State Compartment for Malta. All loans are subject to normal bank lending criteria and final approval from the Bank. Issued by Bank of Valletta p.l.c., 58, Triq San Żakkarija, il-Belt Valletta, VLT 1130. Bank of Valletta p.l.c. is a public limited company regulated by the MFSA and is licenced to carry out the business of banking in terms of the Banking Act (Cap. 371 of the laws of Malta). Grow green BOV SME Supporting Your Vision CONTACT US Over a million passengers travelled between Malta and Gozo from April to June LAURA CALLEJA lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt CONTINUES ON PAGE 3 CONTINUES ON PAGE 3 NGOS urge halt to development threatening ancient temple site in Gozo A coalition of environmental and cultural heritage NGOs has called for immediate intervention to stop what they describe as the ongoing destruction of archaeolog- ical remains near the Sta Verna Temple in Xagħra, Gozo. "This is not just Malta's heritage—it is world heritage that is being lost," said Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, BirdLife Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Għawdix, Mov- iment Graffitti, Ramblers Association of Malta, Vuci Kollettiva, and Wirt Għaw- dex in a joint statement earlier in the week. The NGOs are urging the Prime Min- ister and the Minister for Cultural Her- itage to halt all nearby development and to preserve the remains in accord- ance with the Cultural Heritage Act, the Planning Act, and the Council of Europe Landscape Convention. Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday