Outbound trips up 10.6% over June 2012

The number of outbound tourist trips towards EU countries in June stood at 25,535, while a further 3,269 trips headed towards Non-EU destinations. Trips towards EU destinations advanced by 15 per cent, whereas the Non-EU market decreased by 13 per cent. Trips heading to Italy and the UK remained in the majority, with shares of 56 per cent of total tourist trips. All major European markets recorded increases when compared to last year. There was a significant increase in outbound trips by sea.

The majority of outbound tourists were males (58 per cent). When compared to June 2012, the number of outbound tourist trips carried out by males and females increased by 15 and 5 per cent respectively. Most outbound tourists fell within the 25-44 age bracket (45 per cent), and were followed by the 45-64 age group (32 per cent). During the month under review, there were 35,050 outbound visitor trips, of which 6,246 were same-day visits.

Outbound passengers during the fi  rst six months of the year totalled 149,848 - an increase of 11 per cent when compared to 2012 levels. An estimated 87 per cent of outbound tourists chose to visit EU destinations, with Italy and the UK ranking as the most popular destinations. In total, both EU and Non-EU trips registered increases, reaching 129,821 and 20,027 respectively.

Male passengers outnumbered females, reaching 87,922, or 59 per cent of the total. Same-day visitors for the first half of 2013 numbered 18,768.

More than half the total outbound trips were carried out for holiday purposes, while a further 22 per cent were undertaken for business and professional reasons. The average length of stay was highest among outbound tourists visiting relatives and friends, standing at 11.4 nights. At 82 per cent, non-package travel was significantly higher than package travel.

The absolute majority of outbound tourists made use of collective accommodation establishments while abroad, with an average length of stay of 5.8 nights. On the other hand, the average length of stay in private accommodation stood at 11 nights.

Trips to EU and Non-EU destinations had an average length of stay of 6.6 nights and 14.6 nights respectively. Total estimated outlay by resident tourists during 2013 stood at €142.3 million, equivalent

to €124.6 per night. Total package expenditure stood at €14.6 million (€90.9 per night), while that for non-package trips stood at €49.2 million (€50 per night).