There were 25,917 outbound tourist trips in June, up by 6.7 per cent over 2010.

The National Statistics Office said that the total nights spent abroad during the first six months were estimated at 940,286.

During the month under review, 92 per cent of outbound tourists travelled to EU destinations.

EU trips increased by 3,029 (15 per cent), whereas non-EU trips declined by 1,412 (40 per cent) when compared to June last year.

Italy and the UK remained the most popular destinations with shares of 32 and 24 per cent of total outbound tourism, respectively. Almost all EU markets recorded upward movements, with the exception of the French market which decreased slightly. The largest increase was recorded in the Italian market.

Total outbound trips recorded by mid-2011 were estimated at 132,489, up by 13 per cent when compared to last year. Trips towards EU countries comprised 89 per cent of the total and stood at 117,884.

Non-EU outbound trips registered declines and were estimated at 14,605.

The most popular destination among Maltese tourists was Italy, with the UK coming a close second, with both advancing by 31 and 18 per cent, respectively.

Trips to EU destinations had an average length of stay of 6.3 nights, while the average for non-EU countries stood at 13.9 nights.

A total 82 per cent of tourists chose to go on non-package trips.

The total budgeted expenditure incurred by outbound tourists during the first two quarters of 2011 stood at €118 million, with an average of €126 per night.