By Times of Malta
The Gozo Business Chamber on Thursday welcomed the introduction of a new ferry service between Gozo, St Paul鈥檚 Bay and Sliema saying this will ensure the island 鈥渃ontinues to thrive鈥. In a statement, the Chamber said that this new service, coupled with the 鈥渕uch -needed鈥 fast ferry launched in recent years, 鈥渉ighlights the fact that enhanced accessibility is key to ensure that islands such as Gozo continue to thrive鈥. On Wednesday, Transport Minister Chris Bonett announced that the government has issued a call for tender for a new ferry service connecting Sliema to Gozo via Bu摹ibba with reduced fares for Gozo residents. The year-round service is expected to start 鈥渂etween the middle and end of August鈥. 鈥淲hen Gozo is given its due importance, it can become a key contributor on a national level,鈥 the GBC said. The Chamber added that the introduction of further maritime services shows the untapped potential for further routes including dedicated routes, services and incentives for commercial vehicles. This should fall within a 鈥渕uch wider strategic vision鈥 incorporating the current infrastructure and management of the port facilities in both M摹arr and 膴irkewwa.