Slight increase in total tourist arrivals in September

Total arrivals in collective accommodation establishments during September 2015 increased by 0.2 per cent, while total nights spent decreased by 1.2 per cent when compared to the corresponding month in 2014.

In September, total arrivals in collective accommodation establishments numbered 156,826, while total nights spent amounted to 914,552. 5-star and 4-star hotel categories registered decreases in total nights spent, with increases being recorded in the other categories. The largest share of guest nights was reported in 4-star hotels, accounting for 418,996 nights, or 45.8 per cent of the total.

The average length of stay in collective accommodation establishments went down to 5.8 nights in September 2015 from 5.9 nights in the same month of 2014. The net use of bed-places stood at 72.8 per cent, down by 2.6 percentage points when compared to the corresponding month last year.

On a national level, there were 176 active collective accommodation establishments during September, with a net capacity of 18,761 bedrooms and 41,877 bed-places.

Total arrivals during the first nine months of 2015 surpassed 1.2 million, an increase of 1.7 per cent over the same period in 2014. Total nights spent went up by 1.2 per cent, surpassing 7.0 million. The net use of bed-places advanced by 1.6 percentage points to 67.0 per cent.

MTA reacts

"The Malta Tourism Authority is particularly pleased with the improved collective accommodation performance during the third quarter and cumulative period January to September of 2015," the MTA said in a press statement. 

"The positive performance in Gozo particularly in September and third quarter of this year shows that more tourists are choosing to spend nights in Gozo."

Gozo registered a stronger performance with a 2.0% increase in arrivals and 2.5% increase in nights. Gozo’s positive performance is attributable to increases in both non-resident and resident arrivals and nights.