Outbound tourism up 45% over April 2010

Outbound trips to EU destinations were estimated at 20,805, up by 47 per cent when compared to last year. Malta's main markets for outbound tourism were the UK and Italy. Both destinations registered notable increases over previous years. A further 3,023 tourist trips were towards Non-EU destinations.

The significant increase in outbound tourist trips must be seen in the context of a drop in figures last year due to the volcanic ash cloud, and the incidence of Easter in April this year.

Male passengers outnumbered females and totalled 13,099. However, female tourists recorded a marked increase equivalent to 66 per cent with respect to 2010. The largest proportion of outbound trips were carried out by those in the 25-44 age group (43 per cent) followed by the 45-64 age bracket (33 per cent).

During January-April, outbound passengers were estimated at 85,529, up by 16 per cent when compared to last year. An estimated 88 per cent of outbound tourists chose to visit EU destinations, which registered upward changes of 21 per cent. The most popular destination among Maltese tourists was the UK, with Italy coming a close second. Together, these two destinations accounted for 60 per cent of total outbound trips.

The largest share of outbound tourist trips were carried out by males and accounted for 57 per cent of the total. The largest proportion of outbound passengers fell in the 25-44 age bracket, followed by those in the 45-64 age group. Tourists under 25 years of age also registered a substantial increase and stood at 16,354.