Departing tourists increase by 17.5% over June 2009

Most inbound tourists came from EU Member States, while tourists from Non-EU countries advanced by 38%. The main markets were the UK and Italy.

Inbound tourists spent over 1.5 million nights in Malta, with an average length of stay estimated at 9.7 nights, at par with last year's level. Guest nights in collective accommodation increased by 14%, while total nights spent in private accommodation rose by 24%.

Between January-July 2010, inbound tourists for the first seven months reached 710,199, up by 12% when compared to the corresponding period last year. Increases were recorded in both the number of repeat tourists and in the number of first-time visitors.

Albeit no change was noted in the average length of stay, the number of tourists choosing short stays of up to 3 nights increased by 27%, while tourists staying for more than seven nights went up by 4%.

On a gender basis, male tourists exceeded females, and accounted for 52% of the total.

The majority of tourists fell within the 45-64 age bracket, followed by those in the 25-44 age group.

During the reference period, total nights spent increased by 11%, reaching nearly 5.7 million nights. Nights spent in collective and private accommodation advanced by 11 and 12% respectively.

During the period under review, total tourist expenditure was estimated at €569 million, up by 18% over 2009 levels. Increases were recorded throughout all expenditure categories. Total per capita expenditure stood at €801, 5.3% higher when compared to the corresponding period last year.