Increase in Maltese travellers recorded in December

More Maltese travelled in December bringing the number of Maltese tourist departures last year to 301,712.

In December, the number of Maltese tourist departures was estimated at 28,051, an increase of 930 when compared to the same month the previous year.

Departures to EU destinations were estimated at 89 per cent of total outbound trips. A further 3,219 trips headed towards non-EU destinations. The UK and Italy emerged as the most popular destinations among Maltese tourists.

Male outbound tourists exceeded females and made up 55 per cent of total. 43 per cent of total travellers fell within the 25-44 age bracket. These were followed by those aged between 45 and 64.

In 2009, the number of outbound passengers was estimated at 301,712, almost unchanged when compared to 2008. Of these, 261,704 or 87 per cent travelled to EU destinations with the most visited countries being Italy and the UK.

Together, these destinations account for 56 per cent of the total.

Male passengers accounted for 57 per cent of the total, representing the majority of travellers.

The largest proportion of outbound passengers were in the 25-44 age bracket. These were followed by those in the 45-64 age group. Together, these categories accounted for the vast majority of outbound departures.