Outbound tourism up by 17% in October

The National Statistics Office (NSO) said that in October there was a 17.0% increase in outbound tourism over the corresponding month last year.

The number of outbound tourist trips towards EU destinations was estimated at 21,591, while a further 3,474 trips headed towards Non-EU destinations. These markets advanced by 14% and 39% respectively.

Trips to Italy and the UK remained the most popular among residents of Malta, with shares of 31% and 18% respectively. European markets recorded increases when compared to last year, except for the German market.

The largest share of outbound tourists were males (57%). Male tourists increased by 7%, whereas females advanced by 34%. Most outbound tourists fell within the 45-64 age bracket (39%), and were closely followed by those in the 25-44 age group (38%).

Out of 27,510 outbound visitor trips, same-day visitors were estimated at 2,444 - a decrease of 32% when compared to 2011.

Outbound tourism between the January-October period stood at 273,001, up by 6% when compared to the previous year.

An estimated 86% of outbound tourists chose to visit EU destinations, with Italy and the UK being the most popular. Trips to Italy advanced by 5%, while those to the UK dropped by 4%, widening the gap between the top two destinations.

In total, both EU and Non-EU outbound trips registered increases, reaching 235,336 and 37,665 respectively.

Most outbound tourists fell within the 25-44 age group (40%) and were followed by the 45- 64 age category, at 32%.

Male tourists stood at 157,052 and were in the majority. Out of 304,520 outbound visitor trips, same-day visitors were estimated at 31,519.