Tourist arrivals explode by 17.5% in May

The majority of tourists visiting Malta during the reference month were on holiday, yet business tourists registered a significant increase. As in previous months, most inbound tourists came from EU Member States, while tourists from Non-EU countries also registered a rise.

During the reference month, total nights went up by 15%, while the average length of stay stood at 6.9 nights, 0.2 nights less when compared to last year. In this regard, both private and collective accommodation registered increases.

Between January-May 2010, inbound tourists during this period are estimated at 414,215, 8% more than the corresponding period in 2009. Overall, this change is mostly attributed to a growth in holiday visits, mainly from the Italian, Spanish and Scandinavian markets. On the other hand, the German and Swiss markets experienced decreases.

The majority of tourists opted for non-package travel, an increase in package trips was also registered. Furthermore, while most tourists visited Malta for the first time this year, an increase in repeat visits was also noted.

On a gender basis, male tourists exceeded female ones, accounting for 53% of the total. The majority of tourists were in the 45-64 age bracket, followed by those aged between 25 and 44. Altogether, these two groups made up 71% of total inbound tourists.

Between January and May, total nights spent increased by 9%, reaching 3 million nights. Guest nights in collective and private accommodation increased by 8%. The average length of stay stood at 7.5 nights, at par with 2009 levels.

During the period under review, total tourist expenditure was estimated at €311 million, implying a rise of 15% over 2009. Increases were recorded throughout all expenditure categories. Per capita total expenditure was estimated at €763, 6% higher in comparison with last year.