Gozo’s restaurant sector has taken a hit this festive season, as delays and operational decisions by the Gozo Channel ferry service led to dining cancellations and business disruptions.

The Association for Catering Establishments (ACE) has highlighted in a statement how these transportation issues negatively affected businesses, particularly over Christmas and Boxing Day.

ACE noted that many restaurants reported a significant number of cancellations due to the delays. The situation was especially dire on Boxing Day, with traffic queues stretching from Mellieħa to Ċirkewwa.

ACE is urging Gozo Channel to revisit its operational policies, particularly the three-hour service suspension during lunchtime on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

"Gozo Channel's operational decisions must be reconsidered in the interest of the Gozitan business community, especially in the catering sector. Such reconsiderations are also required, keeping in mind recent figures which show the constant increase in passengers during this period," ACE said.

The association emphasised that with passenger numbers continuing to grow during the festive season, operational improvements are necessary to support local businesses.

ACE highlighted that data from the Gozo Tourism Association underscores the rising demand for ferry services during the festive period. It said that between 18th December 2023 and 8th January 2024, Gozo Channel carried approximately 340,000 passengers, an increase of 104,000 compared to the same period the previous year.