Britons, who make up the bulk of Malta’s inbound tourists, took fewer holidays this year – but young people bucked the trend by taking an increasing number of breaks.

On average, Britons took 3.5 holidays in the 12 months to September 2012, compared with 3.82 in the 12 months to September 2011.

But the number of breaks taken by those aged 15-24 rose from 3.7 in 2011 to 4.7 in 2012, according to a survey of 2,008 adults by travel organisation Abta.

The overall split of holidays taken in 2012 showed 2.11 were taken in the UK and 1.4 overseas.

Although lower than last year, the figure of 3.5 breaks on average was a rise on the 3.2 figure for 2010.

Released at the Abta convention in Antalya, Turkey, last week, the survey also showed that 15 to 34-year-olds were the most likely to take shorter trips abroad of one to three nights, or four to six nights. While three per cent of all holidaymakers went on a stag or hen party in 2012, the figure for 15 to 24-year-olds was seven per cent.

This year, 48 per cent of holidaymakers booked an overseas package compared with 42 per cent in 2011 and only 37 per cent in 2010.

Among 35 to 44-year-olds, 51 per cent booked a package in the 12 months to September 2012 compared with only 36 per cent in 2011.

Safe and secure accommodation was the top priority for the holidaymakers surveyed, with financial protection second.

It appears the Olympics had little impact on booking habits, with only four per cent changing the time they booked a trip due to the Games.

Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “The younger generation are clearly determined to make the most of their freedom and opportunities for travel whatever the economic climate.

“The research suggests they like to go away frequently and for shorter amounts of time than older age groups, which represents a great opportunity for travel companies to tap into this trend.”