Tourism decline proof of global economic climate
Tourism was down almost 11.9 per cent in June when compared to the same month last year, according to the latest official figures.
This means that arrivals in the first half of the year were down 13.8 per cent when compared to the same period in 2008. And besides a drop in figures, even the number of nights tourists spent here fell in June by nine per cent. As did the money they left here, which was down by 11.8 per cent over the same month last year.
The figures again confirm the blow the global economic crisis has dealt to tourism in the region. In fact, in the first five months of this year, competing destinations such as the Canary Islands saw a drop in tourists of 14.5 per cent. Slovenia experienced decreases of 13 per cent, as did Portugal.
The National Statistics Office said the change in Malta was mostly attributable to a drop in holiday visits from the British, German and French markets. Increases were recorded in the Italian and Libyan markets.
Interestingly, while there was a drop in the overall amount of money tourists spend, per capita there was a rise of 2.7 per cent.
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Michael Zarb
Aug 4th 2009, 11:22
I obviously agree that the global economic slow down has had a significant effect on this summer's tourism figures.
However, do not let this be used as an excuse that distracts the nation from addressing the more serious problems facing the Maltese tourism product.
The quality of the said product has been suffering from a long-term downward trend largely due to environmental degradation, urbanisation and a reduction in the local population's hospitality.
These issues need to be addressed immediately in order to ascertain the sustainability of the Maltese tourism industry!