Increase of 4% in holidaymakers during October

During October 2011, 126,868 inbound tourist trips were undertaken for holiday purposes, while the number of business trips was estimated at 12,783. Holidaymakers registered an increase of 4 per cent over last year. Overall, first-time visitors accounted for 69 per cent of inbound tourists and increased by 2 per cent when compared to October last year.

Overall, 87 per cent of inbound tourists came from EU Member States, and in particular from the euro area. The main markets for incoming tourists were the UK, Germany and Italy.

Total nights spent by these tourists were estimated at almost 1.2 million, the majority of which were spent in collective accommodation establishments. Nights spent in private accommodation were 11 per cent higher when compared to last year and stood at 360,283. The overall average length of stay was calculated at 8.0 nights, up by 0.3 of a night when compared to last year.

Total tourist expenditure reached €127 million, a notable increase when compared to last year.

Expenditure on package travel increased by 12 per cent and stood at €48 million, while nonpackage expenditure declined marginally, reaching €31 million.

January-October 2011

The total number of tourists during the first ten months this year came to almost 1.3 million, up by 6 per cent over the corresponding period in 2010. Results showed that the majority (86 per cent) came from EU Member States, albeit a rise of 19 per cent in the number of tourists from outside the EU. The main tourism markets continued to be the UK and Italy.

Non-package travel was slightly higher than package travel, with an estimated 52 per cent of total inbound travel. Inbound tourists opting for package travel advanced by 12 per cent this year.

Increases were recorded in the number of repeat tourists and first-time visitors, albeit the latter remain the majority.

On a gender basis, male tourists exceeded females, accounting for 53 per cent of the total. The majority of tourists fell within the 45-64 age bracket and were closely followed by those in the 25-44 age group. A significant increase was observed in the number of tourists over 65 years.

Total nights spent in the first ten months this year went up by 4 per cent, surpassing the 10.5 million mark. Guest nights in collective accommodation establishments increased by 3 per cent; of these, the majority were spent in hotels. Nights spent in private accommodation were 6 per cent higher than last year.

Total tourist expenditure was estimated at €1.1 billion and increased by 9 per cent when compared to 2010. Increases were recorded in all expenditure categories. Furthermore, total per capita expenditure registered an increase equivalent to 3 per cent, when compared to 2010 levels (€883).