Gozitan businesses await Easter bonanza

Gozitans are hoping the weather will be kind over the Easter period as businesses gear up for the annual Maltese exodus, industry players have told BusinessToday

Long queues can be expected in Mgarr and Cirkewwa
Long queues can be expected in Mgarr and Cirkewwa
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Gozo is expecting a bumper Easter weekend as businesses gear up for the annual Maltese exodus, industry players have told BusinessToday.

With schools closed for the holidays, Gozitan entrepreneurs are expecting this weekend to be “the busiest period” during the year, surpassing the carnival weekend, which saw thousands of revelers flock to Gozo.

Easter is the busiest period for us, said Rita Vella on behalf of Gozo Farmhouses, who specialise in short and long farmhouse rentals. “We’ve been looking forward to this weekend as it’s always a busy period for us.”

But it is not just the influx of Maltese tourists that will boost business in Gozo. Vella said Gozo retreats at this time of the year are also very popular with foreign tourists.

“We’re almost fully booked for this weekend,” she reported.

Diane Falzon owner of il-Kartell, a family run restaurant and one of the first in the seaside village of Marsalforn, had similar things to say.
“Easter is the busiest period for us. Usually during the carnival weekend it’s more young adults and teenagers who flock to the island, this time around we are expecting a lot of families,” Falzon said.

The only stumbling block are the natural elements, with Falzon hoping the weather will be kind. Business might be greatly affected by the weather conditions, she added.

“Sunday’s weather conditions might affect business in general since heavy winds are forecast, however, we’ve already received many bookings on the innermost part of the restaurant,” she said.

While no rain is expected for Easter Sunday, strong winds are likely to dominate the day, reaching force 6 or more on the Beaufort scale.
Another aspect Gozitans will look out for is the ferry service. One of the ships was temporarily out of service on Tuesday, causing lengthy delays at both ports.

By yesterday, the service was working again full throttle with three ships.

Joe Borg, president of the Gozo Business Chamber, said the expectation for a good weekend was high and hoped the ferry service would not experience stoppages.

“It looks like it is going to be a good weekend for our members. Many people are crossing over and there is also a varied programme of events. I just hope there will be no disruption in the Gozo ferry service,” Borg said, highlighting the island’s dependence on ageing ferry ships for its connectivity to Malta.

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