Increase in tourist arrivals, expenditure

Tourist arrivals in November increased by 5.5 per cent when compared to the corresponding month last year, the National Statistics Office said.

The NSO said that the total nights they spent in Malta advanced by 17.9 per cent.

A total 68,260 came for a holiday purposes, while 10,520 were on a business trip.

First-time visitors accounted for the majority of inbound tourists, with an estimated 63 per cent of the total, albeit there was a notable increase in repeat tourism.

A total 84 per cent came from EU states, mostly the UK, Germany and Italy.

The average length of stay stood at 7.9 nights, up by 0.8 of a night when compared to November last year. This was mainly attributed to an increase of 11 per cent in stays exceeding 7 nights.

Total expenditure during November also rose with respect to 2010 levels and stood at €66 million.

This estimate was 15 per cent higher than that for 2010, with increases noted in all expenditure categories.

The total number of departing tourists during the 11-month period up to November reached 1,357,971, an increase of six per cent over the comparable period last year.

Most tourists opted for non-package travel; however an increase in package trips was recorded.

The largest proportions of inbound passengers were aged between 45 and 64, followed by tourists within the 25-44 age bracket.

Total tourist expenditure was estimated at €1,190 million, a rise of nine per cent over 2010.

Increases were recorded in all expenditure categories, except for accommodation, were a marginal drop was recorded. Total per capita expenditure was up by three per cent, reaching €877.