11.6% increase in departing tourists

Total inbound visitors during June were estimated at 165,407. Excluding the 2,528 passengers who stayed overnight on board a berthed cruise vessel, 162,879 were departing tourists - an increase of 11 per cent when compared to 2012 levels.

The number of tourists visiting Malta for holiday purposes rose by 9 per cent to 140,395, while those visiting Malta for business purposes increased by 31 per cent to 12,013. As in previous months, most inbound tourists came from EU Member States, while tourists from non-EU countries advanced by 39 per cent. The UK remained the main market for inbound tourism, with a share of 30 per cent. Meanwhile, the Italian market came second at 13 per cent. The French, German and British markets remained almost unchanged when compared to last year's levels.

Total nights spent during June were estimated at 1.2 million, up by 12 per cent when compared to 2012. Overall, 68 per cent of total nights were spent in collective accommodation establishments, recording an increase of 7 per cent. Nonetheless, a substantial increase of 22 per cent in nights spent in private accommodation was recorded. Overall, the average length of stay stood at 7.7 nights, up by 0.1 of a night when compared to June last year.

During the reference month, total expenditure was estimated at €144.8 million, a growth of 12 per cent over last year.

The total number of tourists who visited Malta between January and June was estimated at 672,451. Of these, 667,034 were departing tourists, an increase of 10 per cent over the comparable period in 2012.

Over 80 per cent of all inbound visitors comprised tourists coming from EU Member States, and from the euro area, albeit a rise of 20 per cent in the number of non-EU tourists.

The majority of inbound tourists opted for non-package travel, although an increase in package trips was registered. Increases were observed in both first-time and repeat tourists, equivalent to 7 and 17 per cent respectively.

Between January and June, total nights spent rose by 13 per cent, surpassing the 4.9 million mark. Nights spent in collective and private accommodation establishments went up by 8 and 27 per cent respectively. In absolute terms, the majority of guest nights were spent in collective accommodation. The average length of stay for this period stood at 7.4 nights, up by 0.2 of a night over 2012.

During the same period, total tourist expenditure was estimated at €544 million, up by 12 per cent when compared to 2012. The total per capita expenditure was estimated at €815, an increase of 2 per cent when compared to 2012 levels.