Italy proves to be winter favourite in 2010

The number of outbound tourist trips to EU countries in December was calculated at 26,797, while non-EU trips totalled at 4,362. Increases of 21 per cent and 26 per cent were registered in EU and Non-EU trips respectively.

Although tourist trips to Italy advanced by 50 per cent this destination remained the second most visited country after the UK. The French market also registered a rise in popularity.

Last year outbound passengers totalled 294,053, an increase of 11 per cent when compared to 2009. Both EU and Non-EU outbound trips registered upward changes and were estimated at 249,821 and 44,232 respectively.

For the first time ever, the most popular destination among Maltese tourists was Italy, with the UK coming a close second. Both destinations accounted for 52 per cent of total outbound trips. However, outbound tourists spent more nights in the UK than in Italy.

Male passengers outnumbered females and totalled 168,539. Most of the outbound tourists (42 per cent of total) fell within the 25-44 year-old age group. These were followed by the 45-64 age bracket (31 per cent). The number of same-day visitors was estimated at 33,376.

Total nights spent abroad last year amounted to 2.3 million and the average length of stay was estimated at 8.0 nights. The majority of outbound tourists made use of collective accommodation while the largest share of trips was carried out for holiday and leisure purposes.

The longest average length of stay was registered in the UK (8.5 nights), followed by that in Germany (7.9 nights). Moreover, 77 per cent chose to go abroad on a non-package basis.

In total, Maltese outbound tourists spent €281 million during 2010, with an average of €119 per night. Excluding travelling tickets and accommodation expenditure, the budgeted amount on other expenses was €149 million, or €507 per person.