Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1538943
GozoToday is a weekly newspaper focused primarily on Gozo. It hopes to serve as a source of information on business, culture, entertainment and of course current affairs. Gozo has a special charm about it but it is also a bustling Island with an identity of its own. GozoToday is published every Friday and is available to numerous outlets in Gozo and on the ferries that carry so many visitors to Gozo from Malta and beyond. GozoToday MediaToday Co. Ltd, Vjal ir-Rihan San Gwann SGN 9016 ASSISTANT EDITOR: LAURA CALLEJA Tel: (356) 21 382741-3, 21 382745-6 Website: www.maltatoday.com.mt E-mail: dailynews@mediatoday.com.mt 3 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 29 AUGUST 2025 NEWS THE total number of guests in Gozo and Comino increased by 22.2 per cent to 37,274, accord- ing to figures revealed by the National Statistics Office (NSO). In Gozo, the NSO noted that the average length of stay de- creased to 2.7 nights. The net occupancy rate in Gozo increased by 4.9 percent- age points to 49.5% during the same period. On a national basis, total guests in collective accommo- dation establishments during the second quarter amounted to 761,184, up by 8.1% report- ed in the corresponding period of 2024. Total nights spent during the period under review reached 3,314,260 an increase of 9.9% over last year. The NSO noted that during April-June, the largest share of guest nights (49.5%) was re- ported in 4-star hotels. Net use of bed-places in the second quarter of this year increased by 2.8 percentage points, when compared to the same quarter of 2024, to 71.8%. Gozo and Comino record 22% rise in tourists visting the island Guest arrivals in Gozo and Comino climbed to 37,274 in the second quarter of 2025, while Malta's overall collective accommodation sector saw a 9.9% increase in nights spent, driven mainly by four-star hotels. EIGHT vessels were caught ille- gally entering the Conservation Zone at Xatt l-Aħmar in Gozo within the span of one hour, ac- cording to the Malta Sea Ranger Unit (MSRU). Posting to Facebook on Wednes- day, the rangers said they have documented several boats oper- ating at high speed within the re- stricted area, posing risks both to divers on site and to marine life. In one case, a man was seen steering his vessel with his foot while crossing directly over divers below. All eight cases are being report- ed to Transport Malta for legal action. Under Maltese law, vessels speeding within 200 metres of the shoreline face a €600 fine, while entering a restricted area carries a €300 penalty under the Small Ships Regulations. The MSRU authorities to strengthen maritime enforce- ment, noting that patrols are es- pecially lacking during late after- noons, evenings, and night hours. "Let us not wait for disaster to strike again. Let's act now," the unit said. Eight vessels caught illegally entering the Conservation Zone at Xatt l-Ahmar All eight cases are being reported to Transport Malta for legal action (Photo: Malta Sea Ranger Unit, Facebook) Early voting for new PN leader begins ON the first day of early voting, 15% of eligible members cast their vote in the Nationalist Party's leadership election. Members entitled to vote were able to cast their bal- lot 4pm and 8pm at the PN Sub-Headquarters in Ta' San- nat, Gozo. Voting commenced after the President of the PN Gen- eral Council, Mark Anthony Sammut, officially declared open the General Convention of members during which the new PN Leader will be elect- ed, as provided for in the party statute. The PN Electoral, Records and Data Commission remind- ed members that early voting will continue this Saturday 30 August, with the final session of the convention taking place on Saturday 6 September – the official day of voting.