Outbound tourism during July totalled 35,396, an increase of 3.4 per cent over the comparative month in 2011, according to the latest NSO figures.

Eighty-six per cent of outbound tourists in July travelled to EU destinations, while 14 per cent chose a destination outside the EU.

Italy and the UK continued to be the most popular destinations among Maltese tourists, with market shares of 29 and 22 per cent respectively. Almost all European markets recorded slight increases, with the exception of the British market, which decreased by eight per cent. In contrast, trips towards non-EU destinations increased by 1,619 (46 per cent) over last year.

The largest proportion of outbound tourists fell in the 25-44 age bracket, followed by those in the 45-64 age category.

Outbound tourism throughout the January to July period stood at 171,000, an increase of three per cent when compared to the previous year. EU outbound trips registered downward changes and were estimated at 147,486, whereas trips to non-EU destinations advanced by 30 per cent to 23,514. An estimated 86 per cent of outbound tourists chose to visit EU destinations, with Italy and the UK prevailing as the most popular. Trips to Italy increased by five per cent, while those to the UK dropped by six per cent.

Most outbound tourists fell within the 25-44 year-old age group (41 per cent) and were followed by the 45-64 age bracket (31 per cent). These numbered 70,442 and 53,238 respectively. Out of 192,973 outbound visitor trips, same-day visitors were estimated at 21,973.