Outbound tourism in January up by 14%

Figures issued by the National Statistics Office show that outbound tourist trips during January amounted to 22,046, an increase of 14% over the corresponding month last year.

Outbound tourist trips by residents of Malta towards EU countries in January stood at 19,038, while a further 3,008 trips headed towards non-EU destinations.

Both markets registered increases of 15% and 11% respectively.

The UK and Italy remain the two most popular destinations, and share between them 65% of the total outbound tourism market.

All European markets exhibited upward movements when compared to the corresponding month last year.

During the month under review, male tourists outnumbered females, accounting for 55% of the total.

Male outbound tourism increased by 6%, whereas female tourists advanced by 25%.

Outbound trips were mostly carried out by tourists in the 25 to 44 age bracket (43% of total), followed by those aged between 45 and 64.

Out of 22,974 outbound visitors, the number of same-day visitors was estimated at 928, slightly less than last year.