Outbound trips from Malta up by 11.7% in May 2010

During this month, outbound trips to EU destinations stood at 16,061, while non-EU trips were estimated at 2,658.

The NSO reported that overall increases were recorded towards all destinations, with the UK and Italy remaining the most popular.

The majority of outbound tourists were males with 59%, while the largest proportion of outbound trips were carried out by those in the 25-44 age bracket, totalling 7,420. Same-day visitors amounted to 3,271.

For the period January to May 2010, the NSO reported that outbound passengers for this period were estimated at 92,658, up by 1% when compared to last year.

According to the NSO, an estimated 85% of outbound trips were towards EU countries.

The most visited countries during the first five months of 2010 were the UK and Italy, similar to last year.

The largest proportion of outbound passengers during the first five months of 2010 was in the 25-44 age bracket, standing at 40,302.

The 0-24 age group registered a substantial increase in trips and stood at 16,189 . Same-day visitors for the first five months of the year were estimated at 10,841, the NSO reported.