A total of 42,000 passengers crossed over to Gozo over the weekend, the first weekend since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri told parliament on Tuesday. “I expect a very good summer for Gozo, especially when one sees the flow even before the second round of consumer vouchers is issued,” the minister said. Replying to questions by Labour MP Anthony Agius Decelis, he said the Gozo Ministry would be working to encourage people to visit Gozo on weekdays, and not just the weekend as well as to stay overnight. Prior to last weekend, crossings to Gozo for recreational purposes had been banned because of COVID-19 restrictions. Only residents in Gozo and those who needed to travel for work were allowed on the ferries. The minister said he looked forward to the introduction of the fast ferry service on June 1 between Mġarr and Grand Harbour. This, he said, would further improve accessibility to Gozo. He said the services would be linked to bus services to destinations including Mater Dei Hospital, the university and the airport. The new services were important for workers and also notably for tourists, he said.