As the characteristically loud, bright, and colourful Carnival celebrations draw near, all eyes are on Gozo, where the festivities are expected to reach new heights. The island's renowned activities in Nadur are attracting masses, with accommodation bookings soaring and businesses gearing up for an influx of visitors.
A recent survey on Booking.com reveals an impressive 97 per cent full booking rate for Gozo-based accommodation from Friday 9th February to Sunday 11th February, catering to couples, groups of four, and six. The momentum continues, with a slightly lower but substantial 85 per cent occupancy for Gozo-based accommodation from Friday 9th to Monday 12th February.
WhosWho.mt spoke to several accommodation owners, all reporting full bookings except for one. Among them is Ta’ Matmura, a seven-bed farmhouse in Gharb, whose owner highlighted the early surge in bookings from January, marking a recurring trend from previous Carnival seasons. Similarly, il-Barrag farmhouse, located in the Carnival hotspot of Nadur, experienced a steady rise in bookings since October.
The Carnival weekend not only brings a surge in bookings but also poses unique challenges for accommodation owners. With alcohol consumption and crowded venues, owners are adapting operational aspects to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for guests.
Il-Barrag owner emphasises the need for increased security and cleaning due to the nature of celebrations, commenting that Carnival weekend “brings with it certain issues”.
On the other hand, Ta’ Matmura’s owner says that despite the need for increased cleaning following the Carnival weekend, “it’s the norm.” Additionally, he remarked that so far, he has only faced accidental damages and nothing out of the extraordinary, yet.
Newcomers to the accommodation scene, The Nest – Vacation Accommodations and Sea Holly Gozo, situated in Nadur, are already fully booked for Carnival weekend.
Sea Holly Gozo's owner, reflecting on the peak booking period in late December and early January, acknowledges the Carnival period as optimal for high room rates despite potential challenges: “Summer seems better overall for business, as I feel the risk of damages is lower, as well as the busy period is much longer. However, for my property in Nadur, I think that the highest room rates I can get is for the Carnival period,” the owner says.
CEO of Gozo Tourism Association Joe Muscat
The CEO of Gozo Tourism Association (GTA), Joe Muscat, shares insights into the growing demand, stating that several accommodation report better-than-expected interest compared to previous years. He emphasises Gozo's continued status as a natural Carnival destination and a niche market, offering a unique experience for Carnival enthusiasts.
“The feedback that we are receiving just now, a couple of weeks before this popular event, is that once again the Carnival days for Gozo are going to be very busy. Obviously for us these type of reactions from the accommodation sector is expected, since over the years Gozo has emerged as the natural destination to visit and experience Carnival,” Mr Muscat tells WhosWho.mt.
Despite concerns about noise and operational challenges, Carnival weekend is seen as a much-needed boost for Gozo's business during the quieter winter months. Mr Muscat notes that the
island, while facing seasonal elements, eagerly anticipates Carnival as a highlight during the winter season, attracting visitors from mainland Malta: “Usually, Carnival comes late in February and sometimes even in early March. However, this year Carnival is being celebrated very early in February. Thus, practically a month after the end of the festive season which we have to say, Gozo was very busy this year. To this end, the touristic sector is always eager to welcome the five Carnival days, as effectively on an annual basis, Gozo experiences an influx of visitors especially coming from mainland Malta,” he says.
As the majority of visitors are young enthusiasts, some areas may experience increased noise levels. However, he adds, businesses and locals have learned to tolerate and even embrace the lively atmosphere created by Carnival attendees.
In addressing concerns about worker shortages in the hospitality industry, Mr Muscat assures that the Gozitan accommodation providers and catering establishments, accustomed to such demands, can effectively cope with the influx of visitors. The Carnival period is expected to generate substantial benefits not only for accommodations but also for related services like transport.
Mr Muscat maintains that Gozitan hospitality establishments have faced a shortage of workers, especially from locals, for the past 15 years. This gap has been bridged by an “ever increasing” amount of foreign workers, and nowadays, he adds, over 70 per cent of the workforce in the Gozitan tourism sector is made up of foreign workers.
In conclusion, the resilience of Gozitan operators is poised to shine, the CEO emphasises, as the island prepares to welcome visitors for a Carnival weekend filled with colour, creativity, and celebration. Gozitan establishments and residents, acknowledging the event's significance, he shares, are ready to embrace the bustling atmosphere and ensure a memorable experience for all Carnival-goers.
