Business travellers boost inbound tourism in July

Inbound tourists in July were estimated at 174,715, an increase of 7.2% over 2011. Total nights spent during the corresponding period this year rose by 8.2%, with an average length of stay of 9.7 nights.

Estimates show that 147,097 tourists visited Malta for holiday purposes, accounting for the absolute majority of inbound tourists. However, a notable increase was observed among those travelling for business purposes.

Inbound tourists from EU Member States went up by 5% representing the absolute majority of the tourism market, with a share equivalent to 81% of total inbound tourism. Meanwhile, tourists from outside the EU increased by 19% reaching a total of 32,770.

Malta's main market for inbound tourism remained the UK, with a share of 26% of the total, followed by Italy, with 14%. All main markets remained practically unchanged when compared to 2011, except for Italy which advanced by 19%.

More than half the total inbound tourists opted for non-package travel which increased by 19%, while package travel decreased by 3%.

Total nights spent during July reached almost 1.7 million, the majority of which were spent in collective accommodation establishments.

Nights spent in private accommodation rose by 8%, while guest nights in collective accommodation advanced by 9%. Overall, the average length of stay stood at 9.7 nights, up by 0.1 of a night when compared to July last year.

During July 2012, total expenditure was estimated at €190.1 million - a growth of 10% over last year. Increases were recorded throughout all expenditure categories. Expenditure on package travel went up by 6%, while expenditures incurred by non-package tourists experienced an increase of 24%.

Inbound tourists during the first seven months of 2012 were estimated at 781,856, marginally lower when compared to 2011. 85% of all inbound visitors comprised tourists coming from EU Member States.

The number of departing tourists coming from EU and Non-EU countries remained practically unchanged when compared to last year. In absolute terms, the main origin for inbound trips continued to be the British market, while a significant increase was recorded in the Libyan, Russian and German markets.

Between January and July 2012, the demand for non-package trips decreased by 5%, while package trips increased by 5%. The largest proportion of inbound tourists was aged 45-64, despite a decrease of 1% in this category. A substantial increase (9%) was noted in the 65 category.

Total nights spent rose by 5%, surpassing the 6.3 million mark. Nights spent in collective and private accommodation establishments went up by 3 and 8% respectively. In absolute terms, the majority of guest nights were spent in hotel accommodation. The average length of stay for this period stood at 8.1 nights, up by 0.3 of a night over 2011.

Total tourist expenditure was estimated at €683 million, up by 6% when compared to 2011. Increases were recorded throughout all expenditure categories, contributing an increase of 6% in per capita expenditure, which reached €874.