Inbound tourists up 15 per cent

Tourist departures last month were estimated at 129,378, implying an increase of 10.2 per cent over the same month last year, the National Statistics Office said yesterday.

Inbound visitors for the first six months of this year are estimated at 577,313, a rise of 15 per cent over the corresponding period a year ago.

For last month alone, the addition reflects a rise in the French, Italian and Spanish markets while tourists from the UK, the US and Belgium registered decreases.

The data shows that 85.5 per cent of inbound tourists came to Malta on holiday.

Total nights spent went up by 12.5 per cent. Year on year, total nights spent in private and collective accommodation increased by 18.2 and 10.5 per cent respectively. Overall, the average length of stay is calculated at 8.4 nights, up by 0.2 nights.

In absolute terms for the first six months, the growth is mostly attributable to more holiday visits mainly from the German, Italian and Spanish markets. On the other hand, drops were recorded in the American, Libyan, and Russian markets.

The NSO said that 89.1 per cent of inbound visits comprised tourists from EU member states. Total nights spent went up by 7.7 per cent.

Nights spent in private accommodation registered an increase of 13 per cent while guest nights in collective accommodation rose by 6.1 per cent.

With regard to collective accommodation, the 5- and 4-star hotel categories increased respectively by 9.7 and 3.0 per cent while the 3-star category registered a drop of 4.2 per cent.

The average length of stay is calculated at 7.8 nights, down by 0.5 nights when compared to last year's level.

Total tourist expenditure is estimated at €404.5 million, rising by 0.6 per cent.

The growth in non-package was contrasted by a reduction in package expenditure.

The survey results indicate that the per capita total expenditure is estimated at €713, down by 13 per cent.