Outbound tourism up by 6%

During the period between April and June of this year, there were 84,573 outbound tourist trips, an increase of 6.8% over the corresponding period in 2013, according to the National Statistice Office (NSO). The number of outbound tourist trips towards EU countries stood at 72,597, an increase of 8.4% over the corresponding quarter last year. Italy and the United Kingdom remained the most popular destinations, with a share of 54% per cent of total tourist trips.

Total nights spent by outbound tourists advanced by 12.5% to 673,650. In absolute terms, the majority of guest nights were spent in private accommodation establishments. Total estimated outlay by resident tourists between January and June rose by 2.1 % when compared to the corresponding period last year, and stood at €76.6 million, equivalent to €114 per night.

Total outbound visitor trips for the first six months of the year numbered 181,573, an increase of 6.3 % over 2013 levels. During this period, there were 161,907 outbound tourist trips, an increase of 6.5% over the previous year.

Total nights spent by outbound tourists went up by 11.3%, reaching 1,271,950. During this period, total estimated outlay by resident tourists stood at €147.9 million. This estimate is 3.1% higher than that recorded for the same period in 2013.

Government reaction

Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis was quick to express his satisfaction at the level increase. “These figures are satisfying and encouraging,” he said, adding that this was especially the case for businesses and companies which operate in the tourism industry. “Government remains committed in its work in this field and aims to exhaust all opportunities for a more sustainable and profitable sector. This, in turn, should translate in more jobs and economic growth.”