Italy is Maltese tourists’ favourite in September

The number of outbound tourist trips towards EU countries was calculated at 34,326, up by 15 per cent when compared to last year. A further 2,878 trips headed towards Non-EU destinations.

The most popular destination among Maltese tourists remained Italy (41 per cent), followed by the UK (22 per cent). Almost all EU markets recorded upward movements, with the exception of the French market which remained practically unchanged. The largest increase was recorded in the Italian market.

On a gender basis, 54 per cent of outbound tourist trips were carried out by males. Most of these tourists fell within the 25-44 age bracket (15,149), and were followed by the 45-64 age group (10,878). Out of a total of 42,653 outbound visitor trips, the number of same-day visitors was estimated at 5,449 - an increase of 75 per cent when compared to 2010.

During January-September 2011 the number of outbound passengers recorded for the period under review was 235,296, up by 9 per cent when compared to last year.

Trips to EU countries comprised 89 per cent of the total and stood at 210,348. Non-EU outbound trips declined and were estimated at 24,948.

The most popular destination among Maltese tourists was Italy, with the UK coming a close second. Together, both destinations accounted for 56 per cent of total outbound trips. The German market also registered a slight increase while the French market declined.

Nearly 60 per cent of outbound trips were carried out for holiday purposes, while a further 12 per cent were undertaken for business and professional reasons. The average length of stay was highest among outbound tourists visiting relatives and friends, standing at 11.7 nights.

Total nights spent abroad surpassed the 1.7 million mark and the average length of stay was estimated at 7.4 nights. Trips to EU destinations had an average length of stay of 6.7 nights, while the average for Non-EU countries stood at 13.7 night.

Between January and September, more than half the outbound tourists made use of collective accommodation establishments. The average length of stay in collective accommodation stood at 5.9 nights, while that recorded for private accommodation was estimated at 10.7.

The total budgeted expenditure planned by outbound tourists during these nine months stood at €225 million, with an average expenditure of €129 per night spent abroad.