Virtu Ferries, in collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority, have embarked on an aggressive marketing campaign in Sicily.

Prenota prima gives travellers who book in May, for July and August, a 50 per cent discount.

In Bambini gratis, children travel free with patents travelling by car and Saturday night fever is the rage all over Sicily with travellers leaving Pozzallo on Saturday at 9.30pm to hit Malta's nightspots around by 11.30pm, returning home the next morning, leaving Malta at 6.30am. This costs €42.

Apart from the scheduled coach departures to and from the catamaran and Catania, Virtu introduced a similar service for Gela, Licata and Agrigento. A special package is also in place including two nights hotel accommodation that coincide with the Isle of MTV concert on June 25.

Through the tour operating arm of Virtu Ferries, Le Vacanze Maltesi, Virtu is offering holiday packages, hotel accommodation and excursions in Malta and Gozo. Underwater diving and religious travel are also being promoted.

These incentives are being advertised in the Sicilian media and Virtu brought over Sicilian travel agents over on educational trips on two occasions, to introduce them to the charms and diversity of Malta by day and night.