9.3% increase in February outbound trips

Outbound tourist trips by Maltese residents towards EU destinations in February stood at 18,238, while a further 2,990 trips headed towards non-EU destinations.

According to the National Statistics Office, these markets advanced by 9 and 12 per cent respectively. Italy and the UK continued to be the most popular destinations among Maltese tourists, with market shares of 30 and 26 per cent respectively.

When compared to the corresponding month in 2012, the British market advanced by 18 per cent, while the Italian market dropped by 13 per cent.

The majority of outbound tourists were males (62 per cent). Furthermore, 45 per cent fell in the 25-44 year old age bracket and were followed by those in the 45-64 age category (31 per cent).

Out of 22,098 outbound visitor trips, same-day visitors were estimated at 870.

Outbound tourism throughout this two-month period stood at 43,274, an increase of 12 per cent when compared to last year. An estimated 86 per cent of outbound tourists chose to visit EU destinations.

Both EU and non-EU trips registered increases, reaching 37,276 and 5,999 respectively. The UK and Italy remained the two most popular destinations, and shared between them 61 per cent of the total outbound tourism market.

All European markets exhibited upward movements when compared to the corresponding period last year.

Most outbound tourists fell within the 25-44 age group (44 per cent), and were followed by the 45-64 age category (33 per cent). 58 per cent of these tourists were males.

Out of 45,073 outbound visitor trips, same-day visitors were estimated at 1,799.