Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544842
STAKEHOLDERS have wel- comed the launch of a new fast ferry service linking Gozo with Buġibba and Sliema, describing it as a significant step forward in improving inter-island connec- tivity, while also warning that in- frastructure upgrades must keep pace with increased demand. The service was inaugurated on Tuesday by Prime Minister Rob- ert Abela, who said the new route connects Sliema to Buġibba and onwards to Gozo, with each leg of the journey taking around 30 minutes. The service introduces additional stops beyond existing links at Ċirkew- wa and Valletta, offer- ing commuters more flexibility. Abela also announced that the Sliema–Buġibba leg will be free of charge, extend- ing the government's policy of free public transport across both land and sea. The Gozo Tourism Associa- tion said the new service offers a faster and more direct sea link between Gozo and two of Mal- ta's most popular tourist areas, making it particularly attractive not only to visitors staying in Sliema and Buġibba but also to domestic travellers and Gozitan residents. The association noted that while the service will benefit the general public, the tourism sector in Gozo stands to gain consider- ably from improved accessibility. However, it cautioned that in- creased passenger traffic will place additional strain on Mġarr Harbour, which is already op- erating at high capacity. The as- sociation stressed the need for expanded berthing space and the development of a dedicated ter- minal for fast ferry commuters. It also called for serious con- sideration of shifting operations to Marsalforn port in the future, alongside prioritising long-term infrastructural investment in Gozo's ports. SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL FRIDAY 8 MAY 2026 • ISSUE 095 • PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY gozotoday €1.00 Stakeholders welcome Gozo- Bugibba–Sliema ferry link Gozo and Comino attract over 150,000 tourists in March A total of 153,116 tourists visit- ed Gozo and Comino in March 2026, including both same-day and overnight visitors, according to newly published figures by the National Statics Office (NSO). The number accounted for 47.6% of all inbound tourists re- corded during the month. Nationally, inbound tourists for March were estimated at 321,652, marking an 11.3% in- crease over the corresponding month in 2025. For the first three months of 2026, the number of tourists vis- iting Gozo and Comino reached 350,196, equivalent to 43.4% of all inbound tourists recorded during the period. Between Jan- uary and March, total inbound tourists in Malta amounted to 806,563, up 16.3% compared to the same period in 2025. CONTINUES PAGE 3 LAURA CALLEJA lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt The new ferry link between Gozo, Bugibba and Sliema was launched on Tuesday. Inset: Prime Minister Robert Abela, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri and Transport Minister Chris Bonett were on board the inaugural trip (Photos: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)