12% boost in August tourism over 2009

During August 2010, inbound tourists were estimated at 193,115, the majority of whom were holiday makers. As in previous months, most inbound tourists came from EU Member States - the main markets were the UK and Italy. Tourists coming from countries outside the EU increased by 22%.

Package and non-package trips increased by 23 and 4% respectively.

Inbound tourists during this month spent over 2 million nights in Malta, the majority of which were in hotel accommodation. Guest nights in collective accommodation increased by 15%, while total nights spent in private accommodation grew by 8%. The average length of stay was estimated at 10.4 nights, at par with last year's level.

Inbound tourists during this period reached a total of 903,314, an increase of 12% when compared to the corresponding period last year. Increases were recorded in both repeat tourists and first-time visitors, albeit the latter still constitute the majority. The average length of stay stood at 8.5 nights and remained constant when compared to last year.

On a gender basis male tourists exceeded female ones, and accounted for 51% of total tourist trips. The majority of tourists fell within the 25-44 age bracket, closely followed by those in the 45-64 age group. Nonetheless, a significant increase was noted in the number of tourists under 24 years of age.

Total nights spent between January and August increased by 11%, reaching a total of over 7.7 million nights. Guest nights in collective accommodation advanced by 12%, and nights spent in private accommodation, by 11%.

During the period under review, total tourist expenditure was estimated at €777 million. This estimate is 20% higher than that for 2009. Increases were recorded throughout all expenditure categories. Total per capita expenditure stood at €860, an increase of 7% over last year.