501,907 passengers used the Gozo ferries between December 1 and January 6, along with 156,343 vehicles, the Gozo Ministry said on Monday.
That is an increase from 464,837 passengers and 141,349 vehicles during the same period last year.
The statistics were announced amid public debate over whether the Gozo Channel line should have a fourth ferry to ease long queues during busy days and whether a tunnel should link the two islands.
The Gozo Ministry said the busiest day was Sunday, December 30, when 25,186 passengers and 5,670 vehicles used the ferries. The company operated 76 trips on the day.
Gozo minister Justyne Caruana welcomed the data, saying this influx was the result of work by her ministry to present and promote a variety of events during the Christmas period.
Such figures encouraged the ministry to organise more cultural events over the coming months, she added. A number of events are already being advertised on visitgozo.com
Gozo Tourism Association Joe Muscat said the Christmas period was the best for several years for Gozo businesses and accommodation establishments.
Joe Borg, on behalf of the Gozo Business Chamber, said the ministry's Il-Milied f’Għawdex campaign had achieved its purpose.