The number of tourists in February went up 2.3 per cent when compared to the corresponding month in 2018, but they spent 2.8 per cent less, according to the National Statistics Office.

Out of the 125,198 trips, the majority - 103,655 - were carried out for holiday purposes, while a further 14,776 were undertaken for business purposes.

Inbound tourists from EU member states went up by 1.7 per cent to 107,744 when compared to the corresponding month in 2018. Most inbound tourists were aged between 25 and 44 (41.1 per cent), followed by those within the 45-64 age bracket (31.5 per cent).

Total nights spent went up by 3.5 per cent when compared to February 2018, amounting to 774,569 nights. The largest share of guest nights (58.6 per cent) was spent in collective accommodation establishments.

Total tourist expenditure was estimated at €71.2 million, with the average length of stay edging up to 6.2 nights.