Tourism grows 10% in June
Tourist arrivals grew by just over 10% last month, although there was a 3.5% dip in arrivals from the UK, official figures issued today show.
The NSO said 129,378 tourists came to Malta in June, an increase of 10.2% over June last year.
The increase primarily reflected a rise in the French, Italian and Spanish markets, while tourists coming from the UK, the USA and Belgium registered decreases.
The UK market had shown growth in the Spring but operators had expected a dip in view of the weak Sterling.
Total nights spent increased by 12.5% when compared to the same month in 2007. Year on year, total nights spent in private and collective accommodation increased by 18.2 and 10.5% respectively. Overall, the average length of stay was 8.4 nights, up by 0.2 nights when compared to June 2007.
The figures for the first half of the year show a 15% increase in arrivals to 577,313. Much of the increase came from the German, Italian and Spanish markets while there were decreases from the American, Libyan, and Russian markets.
Although there was an increase in repeat tourism, data showed that the overall increase in the period under review was mainly brought about by a rise in first-time visits, with the latter estimated to account for 68.6 per cent of total visits, the NSO said.. The largest age bracket comprised tourists aged 45-64, although the strongest increase was attributable to the 25-44 age bracket.
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DVella
Jul 30th 2008, 14:21
er . . . Julian, students happen to spend money too you know . . . that is why they are considered as a separate Niche Market in Tourism. Whilst I personally dislike the proliferation of students everywhere and dislike their habits and some of their behaviour even more, it has to be acknowledged that this market wouldn't stand up, far less expand at the rate it has unless it was profitable. This means that money is being left in Malta students or not, just think of the host families and other accommodation, the language school fees etc....etc.
JULIAN GATT
Jul 30th 2008, 13:25
It woulod be interesting to know how many of these tourists were actually tourists and not students. We are constantly told about increases in tourism but the markets that seem to increase also have the largest number of foreign students. Just look around Sliema and you see Italian and Spanish students everywhere. If a survey was done of retailers I am sure the result would be a drop in the number of tourists spending money compared with the same period last year, because the dip in UK and Belgium tourists really affects businesses significantly.
I talk to tourists every day and whilst a number of them are repeat tourists many of them say they will not be returning because it is too expensive when compared with other destinations offering the same and better facilities other than historical sites.
The main comments seem to focus on the shabby buildings, terrible roads and pavements and back jarring buses, as well as high restaurant prices.
The all inclusive packages seem to be attracting those that can just afford the cost of the package and no more.
Joseph Tabone
Jul 30th 2008, 12:45
Great news! Is the Government running periodical spot checks for service quality on tourist services providers, e.g. using Mystery Shopper, especially on accommodation in the 3/3+ category? Believe me, you will be surprised by the quality delivered to tourists by some providers in theis area. This week, I was digusted by the quality of the accommodation and the unprofessional approach of some hotel employees at a hotel in St. Paul's Bay, where a family member was staying on holiday. We could do much better in tourism if the relevant authorities were more vigilant on the upholding of standards by all service providers, not just the high class ones.