Tourism levels at par with December 2010 figures

Inbound tourists in December were estimated at 53,776, at par with the estimate for 2010. Total nights spent went up by 13.8 per cent, bringing the average length of stay to 9.1 nights.

Departing tourists: December 2011

Tourstat survey results indicate that 43,338 tourists visited Malta for holiday purposes, accounting for the absolute majority of tourism trips. A drop was registered in the number of business tourists.

Furthermore, first-time visitors made up the majority of inbound tourists, with an increase of 6 per cent over 2010 levels. As in previous months, most inbound tourists came from EU Member States, while tourists from Non-EU countries registered a slight rise. Malta's main markets, namely the UK and Italy, accounted for 52 per cent of total inbound tourists. The British market registered an increase of 17 per cent, while German and Italian markets experienced decreases.

Total nights spent during December were estimated at 487,279, up by 14 per cent when compared to 2010. Results indicate that nearly half the tourists visiting Malta stayed for at least 7 nights.

Overall, 62 per cent of total nights were spent in collective accommodation establishments, with hotel guest nights recording an increase of 8 per cent.

During the reference month, total expenditure was estimated at €39.8 million, a growth of 7 per cent over 2010 levels. Expenditure on package travel advanced by 17 per cent and stood at €10.6 million, while non-package expenditure increased marginally, reaching €12.8 million.

January-December 2011

Inbound tourists in 2011 surpassed the 1.4 million mark, an increase of 6 per cent over 2010, and an all-time high for the Maltese Islands. In absolute terms, this change is mostly attributable to an increase in holiday visits, mainly from the British, Italian and German markets.

85 per cent of all inbound visitors comprised tourists coming from EU Member States, and from the euro area, albeit a rise of 17 per cent in the number of Non-EU tourists.

Increases were recorded in both the number of repeat tourists and in the number of first-time visitors. Non-package travel was higher than package travel, with an estimated 53 per cent of total travel. Nonetheless, inbound tourists opting for package trips advanced by 13 per cent when compared to 2010.

On a gender basis, results show that male tourists exceeded females, accounting for 53 per cent of the total. The largest proportions of inbound tourists were aged between 45 and 64 and were followed by tourists within the 25-44 age bracket.

Total nights spent last year went up by 5 per cent, reaching a total of 11.7 million. In absolute terms, the majority of guest nights were spent in collective accommodation establishments.

However in percentage terms, a substantial increase was also noted in the number of tourists residing in private accommodation. The average length of stay stood at 8.3 nights, at par with the previous year.

During the period under review, total tourist expenditure was estimated at €1.2 billion. This estimate is 9 per cent higher than that for 2010. Increases were recorded throughout all expenditure categories. Total per capita expenditure stood at €872, an increase of 3 per cent over 2010.