June outbound tourists increase by 23.5% over 2009

Outbound tourist trips to EU destinations during June were estimated at 20,762, while Non-EU trips stood at 3,538. Both markets (EU and Non-EU) registered increases over 2009. Almost all EU destinations recorded upward movements, with the exception of the UK. The largest increase was recorded in the Italian market.

As in previous years, the majority of outbound tourists were males, while the largest proportion of outbound trips were carried out by those in the 25-44 age bracket, standing at 10,761. Same-day visitors for this month dropped slightly to 4,037.

Between January and June 2010, the amount of outbound passengers recorded by mid-2010 was 116,787, up by 5% when compared to last year. Trips to EU countries comprised 85% of the total and stood at 99,000.

The most popular countries for this period remained the UK and Italy, similar to 2008 and 2009. Trips to EU destinations had an average length of stay of 6.4 nights, while the average for Non-EU countries stood at 12 nights.

The largest proportion of outbound tourists fell in the 25-44 age bracket, totalling 51,231, followed by the 45-64 age bracket (38,267 tourists). A substantial increase was noted in the 0-24 age group, which almost doubled when compared to 2009. The half-yearly figure for same-day visitors was estimated at 15,037.

Between January and June, just over half the outbound tourists made use of collective accommodation, with the rest residing in private accommodation. The average length of stay in collective accommodation stood at 5.4 nights, while that recorded for private accommodation was estimated at 11.1. The majority of trips were undertaken for holiday purposes.

The total budgeted expenditure incurred by outbound tourists during the first two quarters of 2010 stood at €105.5 million, with an average expenditure of €125 per night spent abroad.